Benching Daniel Jones must be a terrifying proposition for Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen.

Because once that cord is pulled — and there is no way that it can be delayed any longer after the Giants out-awfuled the Panthers in a 20-17 overtime loss Sunday in Germany — The Human Shield for all of the team’s other flaws disappears.

Is benching Jones going to improve the NFL’s worst rushing defense?

Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was hired to replace Wink Martindale — after other candidates shied away from the opportunity to work with Daboll, whose fiery personality clashed with Martindale’s oversized ego — primarily to improve the Giants’ rushing defense. Instead, the Giants ranked last in the NFL with 5.3 yards allowed per carry even before the Panthers averaged 5.9.