Shane Bowen just finished drawing up a masterpiece, and now he might have to turn into a magician in short order.
Prior to Bowen’s offseason arrival as defensive coordinator, the Giants never had an answer for Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb, who is averaging 13.9 yards per catch and 90.3 yards per game over eight games in the rivalry.
Now the task of covering the second runner-up for 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year could fall to the next, next, next, next man up in the slot.
Bowen’s uncharacteristic in-game adjustment to a blitz-heavy man-to-man coverage game plan helped the Giants flummox Deshaun Watson and beat the Browns.
But is there anything in the playbook for when three slot corners — Nick McCloud (knee), Adoree’ Jackson (calf) and Dru Phillips (calf) — were unavailable at the end of Sunday’s game and are in question to play on a quick turnaround Thursday against the Cowboys?
It likely won’t be as simple as asking top cornerback Deonte Banks to shadow Lamb — as he has with mixed results against other No. 1 receivers Justin Jefferson, Terry McLaurin and Amari Cooper — because Lamb has been in the slot for 53.4 percent of his snaps through three games.
Banks’ slot-snap count amounts to 4.1 percent.
“It’d be a challenge, regardless,” safety Jason Pinnock said. “But our personnel, we believe in all of our depth.”
If the Giants move the versatile Cor’Dale Flott from the perimeter to the slot, it opens a hole opposite Banks and still doesn’t provide a confident solution for Lamb-created problems because Flott allowed six catches on six targets against the Browns, per Pro Football Focus.
Unless one of McCloud, Jackson or Phillips beats the clock, the Giants could have to rely heavily on Tre Hawkins (benched last season and zero defensive snaps through three games) or Art Green (in his second NFL game) to play on the outside as Flott adjusts.
The Giants got by against Watson with converted linebacker Isaiah Simmons and safety Dane Belton in the slot, but neither has the speed to stay with Lamb.
Head coach Brian Daboll left the door open to a kicker change Thursday after newcomer Greg Joseph — who is guaranteed at least two more weeks of salary as a signing off of the Lions practice squad — missed wide right on a potential victory-sealing 48-yard field goal.
“You’d like him to make that kick,” Daboll aid. “He’s done a good job in practice.”
Asked about making another change — to a free agent or to rookie Jude McAtamney, who is idling on the practice squad — Daboll said, “I’m not sure we’re going there.”
Asked to confirm Joseph will be the kicker, he added “I didn’t say that.”
DT Dexter Lawrence (foot), LB Micah McFadden (back) and WR Darius Slayton (thumb) were estimated as limited on the injury report.
RT Jermaine Eluemunor (thumb) and C John Michael Schmitz (neck) were estimated full participants.
LT Andrew Thomas had a rare poor game against the Browns, allowing eight pressures and committing two penalties, per PFF.
“It was bittersweet,” Thomas said. “We got the win and the other four guys played great. I’m disappointed in my play. I take that wholeheartedly and I’m doing everything I can to make the corrections and be ready for Thursday.”
