The Giants’ defense was humming along in Denver on Oct. 19. Then it collapsed in epic fashion.
A week later, the Eagles gashed the Giants on the ground.
And then, on Sunday, the 49ers had their way with the Giants’ defense, in a 34-24 win during which San Francisco gained 5.8 yards per play and was led by its backup quarterback, Mac Jones.
This latest performance continues a troubling trend for a Giants defense that was supposed to be excellent. And while its secondary was shorthanded Sunday — no Cor’Dale Flott, Paulson Adebo or Jevon Holland — this was yet another underwhelming mess from coordinator Shane Bowen’s group.
When informed of the 49ers’ yards per play Sunday, edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux — who almost certainly won’t be traded before Tuesday’s deadline — did not mince words.
“That s--- is bad, man,” he said. “That s--- is real bad. We’ve got to do a better job as players, coaches. Everybody’s got to do a better job. That s--- is unacceptable.”
It sure is.
The 49ers’ 34 points and 380 yards (159 rushing) came on the heels of the Eagles hanging 38 points and 427 yards (276 rushing) on the Giants’ defense. The Broncos got 33 points — in the fourth quarter alone! — and 407 yards (142 rushing).
These three teams — the Broncos, Eagles and 49ers — attacked the Giants with a lot of perimeter runs, while averaging 5.9, 8.4 and 4.1 yards per carry.
“Teams are going to keep doing it until we stop it,” safety Tyler Nubin said of those perimeter runs. “Probably going to get it again next week.”
As the Giants prepare to visit the Bears, their terrible run defense is once again a big reason why they are 2-7.
Last season, when Bowen debuted — after not being coach Brian Daboll’s first choice to replace Wink Martindale — the Giants finished 22nd in Pro Football Focus’ run defense ratings. Entering Sunday, they were 30th this season. Somehow, they got worse, despite making big investments.
Ultimately, if they keep losing and keep playing brutal defense, especially against the run, it won’t just be Bowen who is gone. Because for as well as Jaxson Dart has played, Daboll needs to actually win some games, after going 3-14 and 6-11 the past two years — and now 2-7 to start 2025.
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