The New York Giants dropped a heartbreaking 40-37 overtime thriller in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. And while the outcome wasn’t what they had hoped for, there were a lot of positives to take away. Still, some changes will need to be made heading into Week 3.
The G-Men return home to MetLife Stadium to take on the reigning AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs in primetime on Sunday night. The schedule isn’t doing them any favors, as they continue to be battle-tested early in the season.
Big Blue will look to put the best team on the field to give the Chiefs a run for their money. Based on last week’s 40–37 loss in Dallas, adjustments are coming. Let’s take a look at three Giants who are quietly climbing the depth chart:
3 Giants quietly climbing the depth chart after Week 2
1. RB Cam Skattebo
Most fans can agree they’re looking forward to seeing more of Cam Skattebo after his impressive Week 2 performance. The rookie rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, playing 33 snaps. He saw the bulk of work in the backfield, while Tyrone Tracy Jr. logged five carries on 27 snaps and Devin Singletary had just one rush on four snaps. Skattebo also contributed in the passing game, catching two passes for 14 yards on three targets.
The highlight was Jaxson Dart’s first career snap: a handoff to Skattebo that went for 24 yards to the one-yard line. He punched it in on the next play.
Skattebo’s usage will be something to monitor going forward. Tracy Jr. was used primarily on special teams as a returner in this one, and Singletary appears to be the odd man out in the rotation. It’s safe to say Skattebo is quickly becoming a fan favorite. He thrives on contact and already gives defenders problems. He was named the Week 1 winner of Angry Runs by Kyle Brandt, and it likely won’t be the last time. If things keep trending in this direction, he could earn the starting role by season’s end.
2. OL Marcus Mbow
If there’s one thing Brian Daboll and the coaching staff learned from Sunday’s loss, it’s that James Hudson III isn’t the answer at left tackle. Filling in for the injured Andrew Thomas, Hudson was flagged four times on a single drive, giving up 40 yards in penalties. He was benched in favor of rookie Marcus Mbow, who may have stepped into a more permanent role.
With Thomas still sidelined due to a foot injury, the Giants could roll with Mbow moving forward. While PFF didn’t exactly praise the offensive line, Mbow earned a 51.0 grade, better than Hudson’s 46.8. He gave up just two pressures on 36 pass-blocking snaps, and former lineman–turned–analyst Brian Baldinger had high praise when breaking down Mbow’s film.
3. LB Swayze Bozeman
This is the second week in a row that a linebacker has moved up the depth chart due to injuries. In Week 1, the Giants lost Micah McFadden, who was carted off with a foot injury and later placed on IR. He’s expected to undergo surgery but could return later this season. That opened the door for second-year linebacker Darius Muasau, who started in Week 2 before exiting with a concussion. Chris Board replaced him but also suffered a chest injury and was placed on IR.
If Muasau doesn’t clear concussion protocol in time for Sunday, Big Blue may turn to Swayze Bozeman, recently promoted from the practice squad. The 26-year-old spent last season with Kansas City and could face his former team from the other sideline on Sunday night. Bozeman signed with the Bears in the offseason but was cut in camp. Now, with New York’s linebacker room depleted, he’ll get his shot.