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Giants vs. Bengals game recap: Everything we know

Chris Roling
·4 min read

The Cincinnati Bengals posted an 19-17 loss with the New York Giants in town on Sunday.

Those Bengals were playing their first game without Joe Burrow under center and struggled mightily in most facets, but especially so on offense with Brandon Allen starting.

Here’s a look at everything we know after the Week 12 encounter.

Final score: 19-17

Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Vonn Bell (24) is introduced before kickoff of an NFL Week 12 football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
New York Giants At Cincinnati Bengals Nov 29

Keys to the game

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) throws in the first quarter during an NFL Week 12 football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
New York Giants At Cincinnati Bengals Nov 29

Allen's debut: Brandon Allen's debut with the Bengals after being a surprise promotion over Ryan Finley went about as expected, as he threw several near-picks before finishing with an 17-of-29 line with one interception and the game-ending fumble...Special teams: The big record-setting touchdown return for Brandon Wilson was the only reason this game was close at all...When it matters: Allen's offense just couldn't get it done, totaling 155 yards all game and going 3-of-10 on third downs.

It was over when...

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) turns downfield after completing a catch in the first quarter during an NFL Week 12 football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
New York Giants At Cincinnati Bengals Nov 29

...The Giants went up by nine points in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati hadn't found the endzone all day. Allen and Co. somehow did late, but by then a nine-point margin was too much to overcome after a pass interference call is the reason the team ending up scoring a touchdown at all.

3 Stars of the game

New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) carries a deep pass down the sideline in the first quarter of the NFL Week 12 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the New York Giants at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020. The game was tied at 10 going into halftime.
New York Giants At Cincinnati Bengals

*** -- Brandon Wilson: A historic kick return by one of the league's most underrated returners set the Bengals up nicely to stay in the game throughout. ** -- Josh Bynes: The veteran linebacker showed up big against a bad team, stuffing the run and even getting active with multiple plays in coverage. * -- Mackensie Alexander: The veteran corner had three passes defensed while putting on a big performance. If that happens often enough, it'll be interesting to see what the team does with him set to be a free agent again this offseason.

Finley time?

Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) carries the ball in the second quarter during an NFL Week 12 football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
New York Giants At Cincinnati Bengals Nov 29

Given Allen's horrific performance Sunday, one would think the Bengals hand things back over to Ryan Finley. After all, Zac Taylor and Co. traded up to draft him. He's probably worse than Allen in the arm-strength department, if not other areas, but the team has to try something, right? Call it shades of last year, when the Bengals just tossed guys out there while the draft positioning kept getting better.

What's next?

Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker Josh Bynes (56) reacts after a defensive stop in the first quarter during an NFL Week 12 football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
New York Giants At Cincinnati Bengals Nov 29

The Bengals hit the road and play the Miami Dolphins in Week 13. Unfortunately, what looked like a Burrow vs. Tagovailoa showdown might not feature either upstart rookie passer with both guys hurt. It is an interesting tale of rebuilding teams though, as Miami's rebuild under Brian Flores continues to look good. Zac Taylor enters that one with something to prove.