GIANTS WEEK 8: SKATT OUT FOR SEASON

It was too good to be true. Albeit, losing more often than not, the new look New York Giants gave us something endearing, and exciting to root for in the form of the proverbial “Frat Bros”, rookie sensations Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo. Unfortunately, in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Skattebo would dislocate his ankle, prompting immediate surgery, and deeming him out for the remainder of his season. 

 

You absolutely hate to see it. As soon as it happened you could see (and almost hear) the frustration from Dart. The entire team surrounded Skatt as he was carted off the field. Dart even gave Skatt their signature headbutt as Skatt put on a brave face and fired up the team white being carted off. Even the Philadelphia Eagles fans at Lincoln Financial Field showed class and respect towards the young running back.  

 

You could tell that the entire Big Blue roster, not to mention the fans, were absolutely gutted. Not just because of the negative impact this would have on the depth charts, but you really felt for this young man so early in his NFL career. Skatt has since had successful surgery and has sent out positive and inspiring messages on his socials. Infamous Eagles’ Chief of Security Big Dom even visited Skatt in the hospital, bringing him pizza and cheesesteaks as reported by Adam Schefter.  

 

Before the monumental Skatt injury, the game was competitive but not without controversy. The officials were, and are still being heavily criticized for a missed fumble call by the officials, which they deemed forward progress on the often talked about Philly “Tush Push.” The play has proved problematic for the league, and come under more scrutiny as of late. Bob Papa on WFAN even stated that the league needs to do something about this Tush Push going forward. Carl Banks pointed out that the officials had not yet blown a whistle until after the fumble. Coach Daboll declined to comment on what he really thought of the officiating during the game. 

 

Another controversial call was offensive pass interference on wide receiver Darius Slayton during what would have been a major 68 yard touchdown for the Giants. 

 

That’s not to take anything away from Philly. I was legitimately concerned heading into this game which I had deemed a revenge game for the Eagles all week. I knew they were going to hit hard and play harder after the Giants defeated the reigning Super Bowl Champs just mere weeks ago. 

 

In the end, Philly outscored the G-men 38-20 in what became a one sided affair in the second half. The question now is where do the Giants go from here without stars Malik Nabers and now Cam Skattebo. Like I’ve said all season, there will be growing pains, but this one really hurts