Giants DC makes big admission about collapse in loss to Cowboys

New York Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen faced criticism for his decision to play a soft zone late in the Week 2 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. This ultimately allowed Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey to make a game-tying 64-yard field goal at the end of regulation. 

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Bowen expressed regret regarding what occurred in New York's 40-37 overtime loss to Dallas. 

Shane Bowen has "second-guess" about Cowboys loss

"I wish we would have been tighter, a little bit tighter," Bowen admitted about the final drive of regulation in Week 2's game, per Newsday's Tom Rock. "Just like all these calls that don't work, it’s a second-guess that you probably wish you went in a different direction...A tough, tough situation to come down to that one play. I have to be better."

Bowen was referencing how the Giants allowed an 18-yard completion before a three-yard gain on the ground ensured the Cowboys would be within Aubrey's range. Perhaps the most disappointing factor of the loss was that New York seemed to be on the verge of an emotional victory. Russell Wilson hit wide receiver Malik Nabers for a go-ahead 48-yard touchdown with 25 seconds remaining in regulation. 

"It's tough, it's tough," Bowen admitted about accepting responsibility for his mistake. "I think that's the thing. All of us are accountable for it, right? Obviously, I'm accountable for that and that call. I told them I wish I would have been a little bit tighter, made a little bit different call for you guys. It would have been a better situation."

Is Shane Bowen feeling pressure amid calls for a change?

Even before the Giants fell to 0-2 on the season, fans campaigned for the club to move on from Bowen. He seems to understand what will happen if the Giants continue losing.

"I feel pressure to do my job," he added during his comments. "I'm here for the guys. I'm in charge of that group. And between me, the defensive staff, the players, we’ve got things we’ve got to fix. We understand that. We're working hard to find solutions, to make adjustments where needed. But ultimately, it comes down to everybody doing their job. Do your job a little bit better, a little bit more consistently. Hopefully, we can continue to build off the good things, learn from the bad things, and get those nixed where we can take some strides here and win. Find a way to win."

As of Friday morning, ESPN BET had the winless Giants as 6.5-point home underdogs for the "Sunday Night Football" matchup against the 0-2 Kansas City Chiefs.