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Jordan Raanan
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Coach Brian Daboll mentioned he is not planning any significant adjustments to his staff following the New York Giants’ 33-32 defeat to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, where they allowed 33 points in the fourth quarter.
The Giants made history by becoming the first team in 1,603 NFL games to lose a lead of at least 18 points with under six minutes left in the fourth quarter, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. This specifically drew attention to defensive coordinator Shane Bowen after several crucial defensive players were unhappy with the playcall on the initial snap of the Broncos’ game-winning drive with 33 seconds to go.
«No, I’m not thinking about that,» Daboll stated regarding major staff changes during a Zoom interview with reporters on Monday. «However, we all need to perform better, and it begins with me. There were numerous chances to finish that game as we intended, but we failed to execute.»
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This marks the second occurrence this season in which the Giants have watched a game slip from their grasp in the final moments. The same situation happened in a Week 2 overtime defeat to the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants faced criticism for using soft coverage that allowed Dallas to level the score in the dying seconds of regulation, and Bowen shared his disappointment for not being more assertive.
This time, Daboll clarified that the situation and playcall were different. The Giants utilized man coverage and had double robbers positioned deep to patrol and safeguard the middle of the field. Nevertheless, New York only rushed three defenders — excluding standout players Dexter Lawrence and Abdul Carter, who were on the sidelines — and Denver quarterback Bo Nix completed a 29-yard pass to Marvin Mims at the Giants’ 48.
Denver subsequently advanced into field goal territory shortly after before spiking the ball with two seconds left to prepare for the winning kick.
«Drop eight!» exclaimed defensive captain Brian Burns indignantly among a barrage of expletives as he made his way through the stadium’s corridors toward the locker room.
When queried about it afterward, Burns pursed his lips, turned his gaze away, and chose not to comment. Lawrence took an unusually lengthy pause when confronted with the same inquiry.
«Leave that to the coaches,» he stated.
Daboll was questioned on Monday regarding the discontent among his defensive leaders and whether it raised any concerns about retaining Bowen and the defensive staff.
«Yeah, look, there were numerous plays where we had opportunities throughout the fourth quarter, and we just fell short,» Daboll explained. «It’s not about any one play. It’s not about an individual player. It doesn’t pertain to a specific side. It’s a collective effort, and, you know, I can improve my contributions.»
Bowen is currently in his second season as the Giants’ defensive coordinator. He succeeded Wink Martindale, who departed following a rift with Daboll late in their second season together.
The Giants (2-5) are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles on the road next Sunday.
