Skattebo Focused on Self-Improvement Amidst Love's Arrival

Giants running back Cam Skattebo stated he is not focused on outperforming rookie Jeremiyah Love, who is set to join the team. Love, a highly regarded prospect, was a player the Giants had interest in during the draft. However, Skattebo's primary goal is to improve his own performance.

"Outperforming [Love] is not in my vision," Skattebo said. "I want to outperform myself from last week. I’m not worried about any other running backs or anybody else on the field. I’m worried about me, my production, making sure that I’m doing the right things. I had a couple missed assignments last week, so I’m going to take the blame for that."

The Giants showed significant interest in Love, reportedly ranking him highly on their draft board. This interest comes after their 2018 selection of Saquon Barkley.

Head coach John Harbaugh described Love as "great. Fast. Tough. Had great hands. Could line up as a wide receiver. Good in pass protection. Impossible to tackle, it seemed like."

Running backs coach Willie Taggart acknowledged that uncertainty about Skattebo's recovery from a fractured tibia, which shortened his rookie season, might have influenced the team's scouting of Love. Skattebo was still recovering during OTAs.

Love has averaged 3.9 yards per carry with 204 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in three games. Skattebo has been the primary ball carrier for the Giants, though Najee Harris is also seeing increased touches.

Skattebo is working to address a recent issue with fumbles, having lost the ball three times. "I actually had the ball high and tight when I got it punched out," Skattebo said. "Just being cognizant of, when throwing three or four stiff arms, you have to understand when someone’s going to come and punch the ball out. I think maybe after the second stiff arm next time, I’ll probably tuck the ball and get north and south."

The Cardinals' defense is currently allowing 127.7 rushing yards per game. Skattebo expressed confidence in his ability to correct these issues during practice before facing the Cardinals, stating, "Come out here on the practice field, fix those things, and then when I go against the Cardinals, I’m going to get everything right and do everything right."