EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In a gritty battle at MetLife Stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals secured a hard-fought 17-7 win over the New York Giants, fueled by a tenacious defense and key plays from quarterback Joe Burrow. The victory marked the Bengals’ first-ever road win against the Giants, a game Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard dubbed the "B.J. Hill Revenge Game."
B.J. Hill Dominates His Former Team
B.J. Hill, who spent his first three seasons with the Giants before joining Cincinnati, played a critical role in the victory. Named a game captain for this matchup, Hill was a disruptive force on the defensive line, tallying seven tackles and two crucial hits on Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. His two deflections were game-changers—one led to a Germaine Pratt interception near the Giants' goal line, and the other forced a missed field goal.
Reflecting on his performance, Hill said, "It was emotional at the start, but I knew I had to stay focused. Coming back here and getting a win meant a lot."
Joe Burrow Finds a Way
Although Burrow wasn’t at his statistical best, going 19-of-28 for 208 yards, his play under pressure was pivotal. After taking a hit late in the game and heading to the medical tent, Burrow returned and orchestrated a game-sealing drive with under two minutes left. On a crucial third-and-12, Burrow scrambled to his left, avoiding the Giants' relentless rush, and fired a 29-yard pass to rookie Andrei Iosivas.
That completion set up a 30-yard touchdown run by Chase Brown, sealing the Bengals' victory. Despite a tough night for the offense, Burrow's leadership was undeniable. "It was great to see the defense step up like that," Burrow said. "They’ve been under pressure lately, but tonight, they were awesome."
Chase Brown and D.J. Turner’s Redemption
Rookie running back Chase Brown also had his moment of redemption. After struggling throughout the game and being outrushed by Burrow, Brown found his stride late, capping off the night with the decisive touchdown. He admitted to holding the ball a little tighter after a fumble earlier in the game. "I was just thinking, ‘Respond, respond, respond,’" Brown said after finishing with 53 yards.
Cornerback D.J. Turner also bounced back after a pass interference call that led to the Giants' only touchdown. With the Bengals nursing a slim 10-7 lead late in the fourth quarter, Turner made a game-saving play by batting down a fourth-and-two pass intended for Darius Slayton. "I had to forget about that earlier play. It’s always next play," Turner said, highlighting the mental toughness that defined the Bengals' defense.
Burrow’s 47-Yard Touchdown Scramble: The Longest of His Career
In one of the game’s most memorable moments, Burrow took off on a 47-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, the longest touchdown run by a Bengals quarterback in franchise history. Facing third-and-18, Burrow recognized the Giants' coverage and saw an open lane. "I knew the safety wasn’t going to catch me," Burrow said, describing the play as one of his few good ones in a tough game.
Special Teams Shine
Rookie punter Ryan Rehkow also redeemed himself after a crucial mistake in last week’s game. Despite his average numbers dipping slightly, Rehkow pinned the Giants inside their 20-yard line four times. His efforts, combined with strong coverage by gunner Tycen Anderson, helped keep the Giants' return game in check. Meanwhile, Bengals kicker Evan McPherson nailed a 37-yard field goal to give the Bengals the lead late in the third quarter.
Conclusion: A Much-Needed Win for Cincinnati
Sunday night’s victory was a statement for the Bengals, not just because it broke their road drought against the Giants, but because it showcased the resilience of their roster. Joe Burrow's leadership, B.J. Hill's dominance, and key plays from Chase Brown, D.J. Turner, and the special teams unit all contributed to a much-needed win. As Burrow put it, "This was a game we really needed."
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