The New York Giants fell to 5-3-1 after a 24-21 loss to the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium on Thursday Night Football.
Running back Cam Skattebo returned after missing the Giants’ previous game against the Philadelphia Eagles with a hamstring injury suffered in overtime. He recorded a season-high 122 yards from scrimmage and scored twice, but drew attention for his role on a pivotal third-and-1 late in the game.
## Harbaugh Explains Skattebo’s Role
With New York leading 21-17 and 3:56 left in the fourth quarter, the Giants sent quarterback Jameis Winston up the middle on a quarterback sneak. A first down could have helped New York sustain a lengthy drive and run down the clock. Instead, Washington stopped the play, and the Giants later punted.
Skattebo remained in his stance as Winston tried to push through the line. He joined the play only after the Commanders had stopped Winston’s forward progress, prompting questions about why he had not helped push the quarterback.
The day after the game, head coach John Harbaugh defended Skattebo, explaining that the running back was not supposed to join the push. “That was a different kind of play. That was a normal quarterback sneak,” Harbaugh said. He also noted that the Giants use different types of quarterback sneaks, indicating Skattebo had followed the play’s design.
The play drew criticism because of its timing and the Giants’ late-game lead. New York failed to convert, then tried to draw Washington offside on fourth down. Winston shouted, “Who let the dogs out?” as the Giants attempted to prompt a penalty.
Harbaugh later said he questioned the decision to punt. “I’m kinda kicking myself. Maybe we should have just gone for that one too. … We’re not afraid,” he said.
The Giants punted, and Washington scored on the ensuing drive to take a three-point lead with less than a minute remaining. New York could not recover, falling 24-21.
