Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was already on thin ice with New York Giants fans, but that ice has now completely broken under his feet.
The Giants were in total control over three quarters of the Week 7 game against the Denver Broncos and had a 19-0 lead going into the fourth quarter.
But then the Giants’ defense completely collapsed and gave up 33 points in the fourth quarter, ultimately falling to Denver, 33-32.
New York even had an 18-point lead with under six minutes left in the game and became the first team in NFL history to lose from that dominant position. Teams were 1,062-0 before Big Blue’s loss on Sunday.
If there’s one clear criticism for Bowen, the Giants’ defense got very conservative in the final quarter and that opened up all sorts of plays for Denver’s offense.
After the game, star edge rusher Brian Burns could be heard criticizing Bowen’s play-calling in a loud, angry rant on his way to the locker room.
Check out the video below, but warning: NSFW language.
Tremendous video here from @JamesPalmerTV.
Burns, at the end of this, very noteworthy: “… dropping eight in coverage!” pic.twitter.com/v19TRRViOi
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 20, 2025
Burns wasn’t the only one mad at Bowen, as head coach Brian Daboll was seen going off on his defensive coordinator after the loss.
“Brian Daboll was livid on the sideline on that final series. Directing all of his frustration at defensive coordinator Shane Bowen,” SNY’s Connor Hughes said.
“Brian Daboll screaming at defensive coordinator Shane Bowen on the sideline,” The New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard said.
Now, the Giants have to pick up the pieces from their historic loss and prepare for a Week 8 rematch against the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
