The New York Giants narrowly escaped with a tie last week against the Washington Commanders, due in part to the puzzling end of game sequence by quarterback Jayden Daniels. But the Giants were in that position after a fumble by running back Cam Skattebo in overtime. It was evident that with Harbaugh trying to build a winning culture within the Giants organization, Skattebo was undoubtedly going to be punished for making that costly mistake.
Little did we all know just how severe of a punishment Skattebo would receive from Harbaugh. In the Giants' 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 6, Skattebo didn't receive a single carry. In fact, Skattebo was only in the game for six total snaps. Meanwhile, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Najee Harris, and Devin Singletary put up a total of 34 yards on 14 carries. It felt as though it was Harbaugh cutting off his nose to spite his face to prove a point to Skattebo that he would not tolerate fumbles. But, it felt as though he was sabotaging the Giants' chances of winning to do so.
After the game, Harbaugh was asked about Skattebo's benching, which led to some interesting comments from the head coach.
John Harbaugh won't call Cam Skattebo's punishment a 'benching'
When asked about Skattebo receiving no carries the entire game, Harbaugh said that "wasn't by design" and that he does not consider it to be a benching. Harbaugh said Skattebo didn't receive a carry because they weren't calling running plays in those situations, while also citing that the Giants were down by 24 points at one point.
Harbaugh continued, saying he wanted to give all of the running backs "equal reps" to see who could step up, while admitting none of them were able to do so.
Harbaugh was asked whether this was a byproduct of Skattebo fumbling or if it was the overall results on the field. That is when Harbaugh got testy with the reporters in the press conference, saying he believes his reasoning in crystal clear.
“I don’t know what else to say. That’s the best answer you can ever get on that in 1,000 years. There’s not a coach in the world that will give you a better answer than that. If you’re not thrilled with that answer, I got nothing else for you, honestly," said Harbaugh.
John Harbaugh's refusal to call Cam Skattebo's punishment a benching is confusing
It is one thing for Harbaugh to say that he is trying to evaluate the running back room. But when not giving Skattebo a single shot at running the football and say it's not a benching is just odd, and doesn't make much sense. While yes, Skattebo was far from impressive this season, he provides the most explosiveness that you'd want in a running back as compared to the other options.
Tracy was in Harbaugh's doghouse for most of the year, stemming from fumbling issues in the preseason. Tracy managed to notch two touchdowns in the game (one receiving and one rushing), but only managed to pick up 18 yards on six carries. Singletary was probably the most productive of the trio on the day by default, rushing for 14 yards on four carries. As for Harris, he was abysmal, picking up just two yards on four carries.
To not give Skattebo a single opportunity to run the football is just as puzzling as Harbaugh's denial of it being a benching. Even Skattebo acknowledged that it was a punishment for his fumble in overtime against the Commanders while speaking with reporters after the game.
"I got punished for what I did, and I understand. So, I've got to be ready when coach calls my name and that wasn't today," said Skattebo.
In hindsight, it may not have been a secret that Skattebo wasn't Harbaugh's planned starting running back, despite a promising rookie campaign. Let's not forget that the team was linked to Kenneth Walker in free agency reports, and during the NFL Draft, they were linked to running back Jeremiyah Love, who was ultimately drafted third-overall by the Arizona Cardinals. So, it will not be entirely surprising if the Giants bring in a new starter next offseason.
Week 5's tie was bizarre. Skattebo's "not a benching" dilemma caused by Harbaugh is even more weird. We'll see if, maybe, Skattebo receives a carry next week against the Houston Texans.
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