Gambling Giants knock off Bengals
Eli Manning threw his third touchdown pass of the game on a fourth-down gamble by rookie coach Ben McAdoo as the New York Giants beat the Cincinnati Bengals, 21-20, last night in East Rutherford, N.J., for their first four-game winning streak since 2013. Manning threw scoring passes of 10 yards apiece to rookie Jerrell Adams and Odell Beckham in the first half and a game-winning 3-yarder to rookie Sterling Shepard on a daring call with New York (6-3) down 20-14 early in the fourth quarter.
The Giants defense took over from there, closing it out on Landon Collins’ fourth interception in the past three games and two stops, the last on consecutive sacks of Andy Dalton with less than five minutes to play.
Dalton threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Green and Jeremy Hill scored on a 9-yard run that was set up by an 84-yard kickoff return by Alex Erickson to start the second half. Mike Nugent kicked two field goals for Cincinnati (3-5-1), the second giving the Bengals a 20-14 lead early in the third quarter.
Manning completed 28-of-44 passes for 240 yards with two interceptions. Dalton made 16-of-29 passes for 204 yards.
Bears’ Jeffery suspended
The NFL suspended Chicago Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery four games without pay for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, another big blow for a struggling team. The suspension takes effect immediately.
It comes on the heels of a brutal 36-10 loss at Tampa Bay that left the Bears with a 2-7 record going into Sunday’s game against the Giants. Jeffery will be eligible to return on Dec. 12 and play against Green Bay six days later. Jeffery leads the team with 630 yards receiving and is second with 40 catches. Jeffery is playing for the $14.6 million franchise tag.
His suspension was more bad news for a team that lost several players to injuries. It also looks like the Bears will be without star right guard Kyle Long, who reportedly will miss the remainder of the season with an ankle injury.
Chargers lose NT for year
Coach Mike McCoy said the San Diego Chargers have lost nose tackle Brandon Mebane for the rest of the season with a torn biceps. Mebane was hurt in Sunday’s 31-24 home loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Mebane joins a growing list of Chargers lost for the season, including wide receivers Keenan Allen and Stevie Johnson, running back Danny Woodhead, linebacker Manti Te’o and cornerback Jason Verrett. ...
Minnesota Vikings left tackle Jake Long will be lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. . . .
The Los Angeles Rams say defensive end Robert Quinn is in stable condition after checking himself into a hospital with an illness that’s unrelated to football. Coach Jeff Fisher said that Quinn is still undergoing tests but “things look encouraging” after speaking to him and his wife, Christina. Fisher did not provide details about the nature of Quinn’s medical issue.
The sixth-year pro from North Carolina and 2011 first-round draft pick has two sacks this season and two forced fumbles, giving him an NFL-best 19 since 2013.
Browns boss backs coach
As he searches for win No. 1, Browns coach Hue Jackson doesn’t have to worry about losing his job.
Sashi Brown, the team’s vice president of football operations, said yesterday that Jackson’s job is safe for next season despite an 0-10 record. Brown said the team is committed to its rebuilding plan and believes continuity is the key to long-term success.
Brown praised Jackson for keeping his team playing hard despite the worst start in team history. Owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam have fired three coaches in four years. Jackson said he appreciates the vote of confidence.