DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — The first commandment in the book on how to beat the New York Giants: Thou shalt protect thy quarterback.

The Bengals preach it. Now they have to do it.

They've yielded three sacks this year — which is under the NFL average of 4.4. However, they're on a pace to give up 24 — seven more than 2007 when they set a franchise record with only 17 sacks allowed.

Just how good are the Giants in the pass-rushing department? Very. They lose Michael Strahan to retirement and Osi Umenyiora to a knee injury, but they still pummel quarterbacks in waves with ends Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka and Renaldo Wynn; tackles Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield and Jay Alford; and middle linebacker Antonio Pierce.

"They're just explosive off the ball, guys making moves and getting pressure," Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer said. "They play extremely hard up front. They rotate guys in and out. They don't let 'em get tired, and they come every play whether it's run or pass.

"So we've got our hands full up-front. But it's nothing we can't do. We'll get everything squared away and protected, get going in the run game and see what can happen."

Tuck had two sacks and a 41-yard interception return for a TD as the Giants clobbered St. Louis, 41-13, for their seventh straight victory. Robbins also had two sacks for the Giants, who seek their first 3-0 start since 2000 when they finished 12-4 and advanced to Super Bowl XXXV.

"They have good players over there, good, hard-working guys," Bengals left tackle Levi Jones said. "It's just about matching their intensity and playing ball. I thought our offensive line took a huge stride (against the Titans), but it was in a losing effort. Hopefully, we can bring that same intensity, that same play on the O-line and get a win."

Bengals right tackle Stacy Andrews is assigned to contain Tuck, whose three sacks are two more than the entire Bengals' defense.

"He's a tough player," Andrews said. "He has a nonstop motor and comes at you hard at all times. I've just got to get to him, stick to him and block him. He has a few good (moves). I've just got to work my technique and it'll take care of itself. I've got to keep him away from the pocket."

Team sacks leaders

1. Seattle 9

2. Tennessee 8

3. N.Y. Giants 7

32. Bengals 1

NFL average 4.4

Next game

Who: Bengals (0-2) at Giants (2-0)

When: 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 21

TV: WHIO-TV (CBS, Channel 7)

Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7)