SportsDirect Inc. staff
Nov 11, 2012
Bengals 31, Giants 13: Andy Dalton threw a career-high four touchdown passes and the host Bengals snapped a four-game losing streak by routing the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Dalton finished 21-of-30 for 199 yards and threw for two early touchdowns to stake Cincinnati (4-5) to a 14-0 lead before putting away turnover-riddled New York (6-4) with a pair of scoring passes less than 2 1/2 minutes apart in the third quarter.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning had another dismal performance, throwing for 215 yards with two interceptions and a fumble as he failed to throw a touchdown pass for the third consecutive game for the first time since his rookie season in 2004.
The Bengals seized control in the third quarter, forcing a fumble by Ahmad Bradshaw deep in their territory and getting interceptions by Pat Sims and Nate Clements on consecutive possessions.
Dalton needed only three plays to turn each pick into six points, tossing a 16-yard scoring pass to Jermaine Gresham and a 20-yard strike to rookie Mohamed Sanu to extend a 17-6 halftime lead to 31-6 with 4:20 left in the quarter.
Bengals wideout A.J. Green had seven catches for 85 yards and a 56-yard touchdown reception.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Giants WR Hakeem Nicks, who has been bothered by foot and knee injuries all season, had nine catches for 75 yards. ... Green, who entered the game tied for the league lead with eight scoring passes, has a touchdown reception in eight consecutive games. ... Giants WR Victor Cruz dropped a sure scoring pass on the opening play of the fourth quarter that marked the 86th straight pass attempt by Manning without throwing a TD - the longest of his career.