New York Giants: 5 takeaways from Preseason loss to Cincinnati Bengals

Aug 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

– Poor showing from first-team offense

It was not a good start to the preseason for the Giants’ high-powered offense. The first two drives for Manning and the Giants’ offense resulted in a loss of two yards, as only Rashad Jennings had a positive gain on the first play of the game.

The third series for Manning and the offense looked a bit better, but a 15-yard face mask penalty on Ereck Flowers set them back. The Giants were able to get it to a third and three, but a Manning pass to Preston Parker was dropped across the middle, which led to another punt.

Coughlin elected to use Manning and the first-team offense for a fourth drive after being ineffective on the first three. On the fourth drive, Manning would complete a screen pass to Andre Williams for the Giants’ only first-down of the first quarter. With a great opportunity to get something going, the Giants were unable to rush for one yard on a third and one. The failed conversion would be the final play for the first-team offense in a disappointing game against the Bengals.

Next: Big play on special teams