The 10-2 New England Patriots are poised to possibly extend their winning streak to 10 games after their bye, as they have a Monday Night Football matchup with a moribund 2-10 New York Giants team coming up. However, things just got much harder for Mike Vrabel and company.
Not only are the Giants likely going to see standout young quarterback Jaxson Dart return to action after a host of injuries, but interim head coach Mike Kafka finally made a coaching move that New York fans had been clamoring for during the team's slide back down the standings.
The Giants fired defensive coordinator Shane Bowen after yet another fourth-quarter lead collapsed before their eyes. Bowen has some past history with Vrabel, as he put together a fairly successful defense with the Tennessee Titans before that regime ended up getting toppled.
The Patriots would have been able to feast on a Bowen defense that has a habit of letting opposing quarterbacks impose their will in the second half, but with the Giants finally making this move, New England may have to face a motivated and rejuvinated unit.
Patriots may face improved Giants defense after Shane Bowen firing
Over just the last two months, the Giants have blown three two-score fourth-quarter leads against Denver, Chicago, and Detroit, respectively. Losing to the Lions after ripping their defense apart on the road with Jameis Winston at quarterback may have forced Kafka's hand.
The Giants' defensive personnel, especially up front, was never in question. With the possibly Will Campbell-less offensive line going against Dexter Lawrence, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, the red-hot Drake Maye might be under more pressure than he has been this season.
Even on teams without a ton of talent, the firing of a coach and the installation of some new blood can be all that is needed to get them playing better as a unit. With a bye week to prepare for New England, look for the Giants to come out like a ball of fire in the same way they did against Detroit.
The Patriots should still be expected to walk all over the Giants, but with Vrabel's former top assistant now kicked out of town following a string of bad results, the upset-minded Giants might present a bit more of a challenge for New England. Given their past connection, it might not be that surprising if Vrabel hires Bowen as a top assistant.