The New York Giants have made a significant change to their coaching staff, parting ways with defensive coordinator Shane Bowen after a tough 34-27 overtime defeat to the Detroit Lions. This loss marked the fifth time in twelve games that the Giants squandered a double-digit lead, leaving them with a dismal record of 2-10 this season.
This decision comes swiftly after the Giants also let go of head coach Brian Daboll, following a similar pattern of disappointing performances. NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported on Monday that Bowen is no longer with the team. In his place, outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen will step in as the interim defensive coordinator.
Bowen faced scrutiny earlier in the season for his defensive strategies, notably during a Week 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys. His choice to utilize a soft zone allowed Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey to convert a 64-yard field goal that tied the game, which the Cowboys ultimately won in overtime. The defense”s struggles continued, highlighted by the Giants allowing 33 points in the fourth quarter during a narrow 33-32 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 7. According to ESPN stats, this marked a historic low for teams holding an 18-point lead with just six minutes remaining, who then lost in regulation.
As of Monday morning, the Giants were ranked 30th in the league, allowing an average of 385.0 total yards and 27.8 points per game. Additionally, rookie pass-rusher Abdul Carter was benched for the first series in a previous matchup against the Green Bay Packers due to missing a walk-through practice.
Some analysts speculated that the Giants might wait until their upcoming bye week to make further changes. However, interim head coach Mike Kafka, who is vying for the permanent position, evidently did not consider Bowen as part of the solution for a team that has now lost six consecutive games.
The Giants will face a challenging match against the in-form New England Patriots, who currently sport a 10-2 record, in a “Monday Night Football” game scheduled for December 1. As of the latest betting lines, the Giants are listed as 7.5-point underdogs for this encounter.
