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

While Daniel Jones has failed to capitalize offensively, the defense has seen plenty of action from Azeez Ojulari and Brian Burns as the Bengals hold a 7-0 lead at halftime.

Tension was high in the opening stages as both teams needed a win to keep their season moving in a positive direction. The Giants come into the game fresh off a big win in Settle, perhaps the best quarterback Daniel Jones has produced so far this year.

Lacking a few key players on offense, defense and special teams, the Giants had no room for error. With other players ready to step in, the Giants had one game plan: contain Joe Borrow and receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

Burns showed his presence early from the line for the Giants by recording his third sack of the season on the Bengals’ opening drive. After the big stop, Burrow caught some daylight on man coverage and broke away for a 47-yard rushing touchdown on third-and-18.

Burrow nailed the longest run of his career, which was held to 23 yards and gave the Bengals an early 7-0 lead.

Despite the long yardage the Giants gained against Seattle, Jones and company struggled to get much going consistently in the first half. Jones has managed to keep the offense going over the past few games, but the Bengals have had their defense locked down. High pressure from the Bengals resulted in the only interception of the half – denying limited momentum from the Giants/

There were few fouls in the first half. Each possession in the second quarter ended with three outs.

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

The Giants need to get their offense clicking to get their first home win of the season.