Cam Skattebo hasn't been in New York for a long time, but he has quickly become absolutely beloved by the Giants fans. Just like he did with college football fans last year at Arizona State, he is winning the fans over with his physicality and just passion to play the game.
On Sunday, he added to his career legacy as he scored the first rushing touchdown of his career during the fourth quarter of the wild 40-37 overtime loss against the Dallas Cowboys.
Skattebo was drafted by the Giants with the 105th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after starring at Arizona State last season. He wasn't heavily involved in the Giants game-plan in Week 1, as he had only two carries for three yards in the loss to the Washington Commanders.
However, coach Brian Daboll and the Giants got him more involved in the rushing game, as he finished with 11 carries for 45 yards and the score. He also had two catches for 15 yards. He was on the field for 51% of the snaps, and got all five rushing attempts for a running back in the redzone.
While he was proud of how his team continued to battle all throughout the game, Skattebo told reporters after the game he didn't do enough and can do more.
"Fifty yards, in my eyes, is not enough," Skattebo said after the game. "We fought to the end, I'm proud of our team...a hard-fought battle right there."
That type of answer is one that is only going to continue to win over the fans in New York. Many young players would be excited about scoring their first career touchdown, but all Skattebo cared about was the fact that his team lost.
There was obvious improvements for the Giants in this game, especially on the offensive side of the ball. In the Week 1 loss to the Commanders, they finished with only 242 yards and six points.
On Sunday, they finished with 506 yards of offense, and 37 points. Second-year wide receiver Malik Nabers showed he is still ascending into the conversation of best receivers in the league, as he finished with nine catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns.
Skattebo's physicality running the ball forces teams to have to have one more guy near the box to help tackle. That helped open things up for Wilson and the passing game, and the quarterback was only two yards short of a career-high.
Don't be surprised if Skattebo only becomes more involved in the Giants offense moving forward.
For more on the New York Giants and the NFL, visit Newsweek Sports.
Related Articles
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.