Cam Skattebo is one of the most physical running backs in the NFL. The New York Giants cornerback has had a great start to his rookie season. Before the season-ending leg injuryAnd then referring to the many waves during the season He thought CTE was an “excuse” before later apologizing. And saying he was just kidding. Skatebo got off to a slow start this year, but turned it around in an electric performance in Week 7 against the Houston Texans in overtime.
Skatebo finished with 124 yards on 17 carries and one touchdown. Quarterback JJ McCarthy made some plays in the passing game (20-of-28 for 252 yards), and the Giants’ defense did enough to get the win. New York is 4-2-1 on the season, matching the same streak they had last year when they finished 4-13. New head coach John Harbaugh is cooking, and getting Skatebo back is a big reason why.
Skatebo’s 16-yard touchdown run was the biggest play of the season, but it wasn’t the one people were still talking about after the game. In the first quarter, Skatebo drew an unnecessary roughness penalty for abusing his own helmet after going down on Texans safety MJ Stewart. We usually think of helmet-to-helmet hits as penalties on defensive players, but not this time. Watch the game here:
That’s a 15-yard offensive penalty. Another look at the game and Skatebo’s frustrated reaction to the penalty:
Many good running backs in NFL history have dodged a penalty like this, but they can’t anymore. Yes, this isn’t the NFL you grew up watching if you’re of a certain age, but it feels good that the league is protecting players on both sides. My only issue is that I feel like the lawyers can always call this up if they want to, but instead we don’t see much of it on the field.
Asked about the penalty after the win, Skatebo said: “I think I’m playing for free” because he couldn’t slow down his running style.
What should skatebo do if the protector is low? The NFL is ultimately a war of attrition, and running backs have no choice but to drop the pads. This time Skatebo gets a penalty.
Are the Giants going to win the NFC East this year? It’s truly amazing how quickly Harbaugh has turned his team around. If the Giants can run the ball like they did against Houston, they will be tough.
