New York Giants – Cincinnati Bengals halftime observations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – It was a battle of defenses in the first half as the Giants took on the Cincinnati Bengals in prime time on Sunday.

Although Daniel Jones was unable to capitalize on offense, the defense saw plenty of effort from Azeez Ojulari and Brian Burns as the Bengals led 7-0 at halftime.

Tensions were high heading into the opening break as both teams needed a win to take their season in a positive direction. The Giants come into the game fresh off a big win in Settle, perhaps the best quarterback Daniel Jones has had so far this year.

With the Giants missing several key players on offense, defense and special teams, they had no margin for error. With other players ready to step in, the Giants had a plan: contain Joe Borrow and receiver Ja'Marr Chase.

Burns showed his presence off the line early for the Giants by grabbing his third sack of the season during the Bengals' opening drive. After the big stop, Burrow caught some light in man coverage and broke free for a 47-yard rushing touchdown on third-and-18.

Burrow made the longest run of his career, passing for 23 yards and giving the Bengals an early 7-0 lead.

Despite the great mileage that the Giants achieved against Seattle, Jones and Co. struggled to produce anything consistently in the first half. Jones has managed to keep the offense going in recent games, but the Bengals' defense has been bogged down. The Bengals' high pressure resulted in the only half of the game being intercepted – and denied the Giants only limited impulses.

There was little offense in the first half. Every possession in the second quarter ended with a three-pointer.

The Giants' defense was the star of the first half with three sacks and multiple stops on third down conversions. Ojulari racked up back-to-back sacks to end the half, showing why the Giants lead with 24 sacks and counting.

In order to get their first home win of the season, the Giants' offense has to be effective.