Shane Bowen again takes blame after Giants' collapse in loss to Broncos

Following the New York Giants' Week 2 overtime loss at the Dallas Cowboys, Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen expressed regret regarding his decision to play a soft zone that resulted in Dallas getting in position for kicker Brandon Aubrey to make a game-tying 64-yard field goal at the end of regulation of that contest. 

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Bowen once again fell on his figurative sword coming off the Giants' historic collapse during their 33-32 loss at the Denver Broncos on Oct. 19.

Shane Bowen comments on what he must do better after loss to Broncos

"We have to do a better job getting these guys in positions to execute, make plays in the fourth quarter," Bowen acknowledged, per the Giants' website. "And with that being said, I also have to make sure our best guys are on the field in those critical times. But I believe in the guys in the room. I believe in our coaches. I believe in our players. I know we're going to continue to work to improve, to get better, and be at our best when it matters most in these critical moments."

The Giants surrendered 33 fourth-quarter points in Denver, the final three of which were scored after the Broncos were able to get into range for a game-winning field goal by completing a pair of passes against a defense that dropped eight men into coverage. Bowen's handling of the situation earned him criticism from Giants fans posting on social media, but New York linebacker Bobby Okereke and pass-rusher Brian Burns later defended the coach. 

"He’s calling the plays, so he ultimately feels like he has responsibility over all that, but it’s a team effort. It’s never one person," Giants safety Tyler Nubin told Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post after Bowen spoke on Thursday. "We have a lot of people that really care, take their job seriously and are not afraid to take responsibility when there is a finger to blame."

Shane Bowen challenges Giants to get "taste" of Broncos loss "out of our mouth"

A dejected 2-5 Giants side next faces a 5-2 Philadelphia Eagles team that will be looking for revenge this Sunday. New York notched a 34-17 home win over the defending Super Bowl champions back on Oct. 9. 

"...Excited for the opportunity this week to play a really good team on the road," Bowen added during his comments. "Get back out there, get this taste out of our mouth, lean on the guys, lean on the coaches. We're in this thing together. One way or another, good, bad, indifferent, we're in this thing together. Lean on those relationships I've built with those guys."

As of Friday morning, ESPN BET had Big Blue as a big 7.5-point road underdog against the Eagles.