3 keys to a Giants victory over the Bengals and a third straight win
1. BEWARE BENGALS’ BALLHAWKS
Cincinnati’s defense has nine interceptions on the season, coordinated by former Giants secondary coach Lou Anarumo. Free safety Jessie Bates III paces the Bengals’ D with three picks. Daniel Jones has played two straight games with no turnovers for the first time in his NFL career. It is not a coincidence that the Giants are also on a two-game winning streak. If Jones continues to protect the ball, it’s hard to imagine Bengals third-string QB Brandon Allen directing several full-field touchdown drives, especially if second-string RB Giovani Bernard (questionable) is out on top of Joe Mixon being on injured reserve.
2. ALL ABOARD THE WAYNE TRAIN
The Bengals defense allows 136.2 rush yards per game, third-worst in the NFL. Wayne Gallman has 54 carries for 199 yards (3.6 per carry) and five rushing touchdowns in the Giants’ last four games. That has coincided with improved offensive line play, which we now know is due at least in part to Joe Judge taking a personal interest in coaching the group. As long as Marc Colombo’s bye week firing doesn’t undo any progress, the Giants’ offensive plan especially against Cincy’s run D will continue to be ball control. It helps both Jones and their defense.
3. DON’T FALL INTO THE TRAP GAME
It’s crazy to think that any game could be a trap game for the Giants, who haven’t reached six wins in a single season since 2016. But that’s exactly what Sunday’s game is. The perpetual underdog Giants were favored by six points on the road as of Friday night. The Bengals are 2-7-1, and their star rookie QB Joe Burrow is out for the year. The Giants have won two straight, can actually move atop the NFC East standings as early as Monday, and they have a formidable test upcoming the following week at Seattle. So this is a trap. The Giants can’t slip.
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