Skattebo has eight total touchdowns in 13 career games and has generally been productive when healthy. So what’s behind the benching? Was it solely the fumble, or is there more at play between the second-year back and the Giants coaching staff?
Tiki Barber, a former Giants running back and current radio analyst, weighed in during WFAN’s postgame coverage, describing a series of “negative plays” for Skattebo. Barber cited misreading the run game, overquickness in the run, and issues with pass protection and knowing protections as factors affecting his playing time on third downs. He suggested that the challenges for Skattebo extend beyond the fumble and that there are multiple factors contributing to inconsistent on-field performance.
Barber also referenced Skattebo’s postgame comments, in which Skattebo said he understood he’d been punished for his actions and needed to be ready when the coach called his name, noting that this wasn’t the game he earned that opportunity. The veteran analyst hinted that Skattebo might have more insight into the situation than publicly acknowledged.
In the game context, the absence of Skattebo did impact the run game against the New Orleans Saints. The Giants leaned on Tyrone Tracy, Najee Harris, and Devin Singletary, who combined for 14 carries and 36 rushing yards. It marked a rough effort from the team’s rushing corps, and the coaching staff has been looking for a bell-cow to emerge. After the game, one coach indicated that none of the backs had yet stepped up to establish themselves as the clear lead back.
All eyes will be on Skattebo in the next game as the team assesses whether he can reestablish himself after time in the coaches’ good graces and determine if he can assume a more prominent role in the backfield.
