A ‘mini-breakout’ per say by Giants fourth round pick Cam Skattebo suggests he may be much more than just a short yard powerback, and his physical run game could be enough to win him the starting running back job down the line. As he emerges as New York’s best running back two weeks in, his role on the team could be increasing as early as next week.
The former Arizona running back came into the NFL as a likely backup to Tyrone Tracy Jr, and even potentially falling behind Devin Singletary, making him the third back in line, however a monster week two performance against divisional rivals Dallas may make Brian Daboll and the Giants think otherwise as he highlighted he isn't just a short yardage weapon.
His skill set was fully on show against Dallas, taking his season total so far up to 13 rush attempts for a team high 42 rushing yards, while also being the lone rushing touchdown scorer amongst the Giants running back room. Being deployed as a third down, and often goal line/red zone back, Skattebo showed how his skills spread way further than just powering through on short yards to gain, and his talents may now even be considered to be the best in their running back group.
Showing off his amazing ability to take physical contact, rush through contact, and his insane low centre of gravity which allows him to stretch plays that shouldn't be possible, the Giants rushing game is only going to get gutter, and big chunk plays could be on the horizon for Skattebo. The one thing holding him back is his speed, however with everything else he has, as a powerful back who absorbs contact, speed isn't a major issue, and his ability to find pockets of space shined on Sunday.
Sure Tracy is likely the better back in terms of making explosive and rapid gains, however in New York’s current situation, a powerful and explosive back is something they can take advantage of. Even in the passing game, Skattebo offers so much physically, and his yards after contact stats show why he could be one of the best power backs in the game. There is so much more to come from Cam Skattebo, and Giants fans should be excited, but Sunday night's game against Dallas showed us one major thing, utilise his skills, and get him the ball. Scratch 3rd and 1 plays, and don't limit him to the goal line, Skattebo is an offensive force, and soon to be a force to be reckoned with.
Comments