The New York Giants made a significant change on Monday, parting ways with defensive coordinator Shane Bowen after a series of disappointing fourth-quarter performances. This decision followed the team”s latest meltdown during a game against the Detroit Lions, where the Giants squandered a 10-point lead late in the fourth quarter.
With approximately three minutes remaining in regulation, the Giants were ahead 27-17, thanks to an impressive touchdown reception by quarterback Jameis Winston. The play involved a 33-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Gunner Olszewski, executed on an end-around. However, Bowen”s defense faltered, allowing Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to score on a 49-yard touchdown run. Gibbs amassed 219 rushing yards on just 15 carries in the game.
As time wound down, the Lions managed to tie the game with a field goal, forcing overtime. On the very first play of the extra period, the Giants” defense failed once again, permitting Gibbs to break free for a 69-yard touchdown, sealing the game for Detroit.
This latest defeat marked the fifth time this season that the Giants have lost a game in which they held a lead in the fourth quarter, a statistic that leads the NFL. Among the season”s notable collapses was a notable incident in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos, where the Giants surrendered an eight-point advantage with only six minutes remaining. Such a trend has not been recorded in the league since at least 1970, as per ESPN.
The Giants have also experienced five losses on the road this season after leading by at least 10 points. Just two weeks ago, they blew a 20-10 advantage against the Chicago Bears, which ultimately led to the termination of head coach Brian Daboll.
Despite the issues in the fourth quarter, the Giants are currently ranked 30th in the NFL in both yards allowed per game and points allowed per game this season. The decision to let go of Bowen represents the first major move by interim head coach Mike Kafka, who has yet to win a game since taking over, with an 0-2 record. His first outing as head coach resulted in another loss against the Green Bay Packers, where Bowen”s defense could not maintain a 20-19 lead, allowing the Packers to score a game-winning touchdown in the closing moments.
For more insights on Shane Bowen and the Giants, visit AMNY.com.
