Giants’ injured defense ready to face CeeDee Lamb’s challenge

Shane Bowen has just finished crafting a masterpiece, and he may need to turn into a magician in no time.

Before 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 reception and 90.3 yards per game through eight games in the rivalry.

Now, the job of covering the runner-up for the 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award could fall to the next, next, next, next man in the slot.

Bowen’s unusual adaptation to a blitz-based, man-to-man coverage game plan helped the Giants baffle 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?

The Giants held a practice Monday, but Jackson and Phillips reportedly did not practice and McCloud was limited, according to the injury report.

It probably won’t be as simple as asking top cornerback Deonte Banks to follow Lamb — as he has done with mixed results against fellow 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.

The number of shots in bank slot machines is 4.1 percent.

“It would be a challenge no matter what,” defenseman Jason Pinnock said. “But our staff, we believe in 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 surefire solution to the problems created by Lamb as Flott allowed six catches on six targets against the Browns, according to Pro Football Focus.

Unless McCloud, Jackson or Phillips beat the clock, the Giants may have to rely heavily on Tre Hawkins (benched last season and zero defensive snaps in three games) or Art Green (in his second NFL game) to play outside while Flott adjusts.

The Giants were able to get away with Watson with converted linebacker Isaiah Simmons and safety Dane Belton in the slot, but neither has the speed to stay with Lamb.

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Head coach Brian Daboll left the door open to a change at kicker Thursday after newcomer Greg Joseph — who is guaranteed at least two more weeks of salary as a Lions practice squad signee — missed wide right on a potential game-winning 48-yard field goal.

“We’d like him to take that kick,” Daboll said. “He’s done a good job in practice.”

Asked about another move — 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 in that direction.”

Asked to confirm that Joseph would be the goalscorer, he added: “I didn’t say that.”

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DT Dexter Lawrence (foot), LB Micah McFadden (back) and WR Darius Slayton (thumb) were listed as limited on the injury report.

RT Jermaine Eluemunor (thumb) and C John Michael Schmitz (neck) were deemed full participants.

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LT Andrew Thomas had a rare, mediocre game against the Browns, allowing eight pressures and committing two penalties, according to PFF.

“It was bittersweet,” Thomas said. “We got the win and the other four guys played really well. I’m disappointed in my game. I’m taking it to heart and doing everything I can to make the corrections and be ready for Thursday.”