Some tough runs between the tackles and a naturally fiery demeanour quickly endeared rookie running back Cam Skattebo to the New York Giants, but fans of the team have been warned about expecting too much from the fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
The note of caution comes from Dan Duggan of The Athletic. He believes “we all were a little early to crown Cam Skattebo as RB1. He’s averaging 3.8 ypc. He had four fumbles last season, so that could be a concern. He was running well early yesterday but the production tailed off as the game progressed. Still think his biggest impact will be in the passing game. Tough for LB/DB to tackle him 1-on-1 in space.”
Duggan posted these words of warning after the Giants slipped to a 26-14 defeat against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. Skattebo made a key mistake when his fourth-quarter fumble was returned 87 yards for a touchdown by Saints safety Jordan Howden.
Although Skattebo quickly took to social media to make amends, the turnover underscored the modest overall numbers highlighted by Duggan. Numbers that reveal how bleak things have been for the Giants on the ground, without injured starter Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Cam Skattebo Still a Work in Progress
Skattebo is an easy player for fans to attach to because of his smash-mouth style. He plays with reckless abandon and is never shy about punishing defensive players, either as a runner or blocker.
This “crazy” block against defensive end Carl Granderson from last week, highlighted by ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, summed up the Skattebo effect.
Yet while he’s given the offense an attitude adjustment and extra physicality, Skattebo is primary being counted on to produce as a viable rushing threat. Unfortunately, the 23-year-old is averaging a mere 2.1 yards before carry per attempt and 1.7 after contact, per Pro Football Reference.
Those are solid stats, but far from spectacular. The import is clear. Skattebo’s leading a backfield light on big plays in Tracy’s absence.
Giants Missing Tyrone Tracy’s Versatility
The Giants had been hoping to get Tracy back quickly from a shoulder injury, something that needs to happen to improve the versatility of their running back rotation. A lack of receiving chops was obvious when, as Duggan pointed out, “Devin Singletary’s most notable play was a bad drop on an open screen when lined up at WR.”
Tracy, a converted wide receiver, has the ideal skill-set for the play Singletary let get away. Just as important, Tracy’s one-cut-and-go running style and natural speed combine for a true breakaway threat on the deck.
He was “limited” in practice ahead of the Giants facing the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football in Week 6. Having a full contingent available in the backfield would increase the chances of the Giants forcing a major upset and making up for last week’s mess against the Saints.
Beyond Week 6, a thunder and lightning combination of a more effective Skattebo and fully healthy Tracy would be the ideal engine of an offense helmed by still developing rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
He’s going to make his mistakes, but Dart needs better support than he received against the Saints. Support that can only come first from Skattebo and the other backs on the depth chart.
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