Cam Skattebo has to grow up fast. The Giants running back just committed his fourth fumble of the season during the tie against Washington on Sunday. This mistake killed a chance at a game-winning drive in overtime. Tiki Barber, the Giants all-time leading rusher, says the problem is in Skattebo’s head. He told fans the second year back needs a serious mindset shift before he loses his job.
The Young Player Mistake Reality
Barber points out that dumb errors happen to younger players, but there is a limit. The former star noted that Skattebo has lost the ball once, but the total count of four fumbles is too high. Barber said on his postgame show, according to Heavy.com, “His mindset has got to change in those moments.” He added that coaches like John Harbaugh or Willie Taggart need to tell the player that holding the football is the only thing that matters right now.
Barber knows this struggle better than anyone. He had his own fumbling issues early in his career. The “high and tight” hold saved Barber’s career and led to three seasons with over 2,000 yards from scrimmage. Skattebo needs that same lesson fast. He is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry this year, which is down from his prior pace. He has not even had one run over 20 yards yet.
Coach Harbaugh Stands Firm
Despite the criticism, head coach John Harbaugh is not ready to bench Skattebo. He called the play a learning moment for the whole team. Harbaugh told the media that Skattebo played a hell of a game overall. The coach said everyone needs to learn from the situation and the specific type of run called in that spot. Harbaugh noted that they practice that exact scenario plenty of times. He expects the young back to be accountable and bounce back.
The team is still in first place in the NFC East at 3-1-1. The tie against the Commanders did not hurt their standing in the division. However, the margin for error is getting thinner. If Skattebo keeps turning the ball over, the coaching staff might have to look elsewhere.
The Path Forward
Skattebo has a short time to prove he can handle the pressure. The Giants host the New Orleans Saints next Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The Saints run defense ranks 27th in pass blocking, but the run defense is the real test. Skattebo must show he can protect the ball when the game is on the line. Barber was clear that if Skattebo wants to be “that guy,” he cannot allow these mistakes to continue.
