New York Giants supporters have fond memories of retired running back Brandon Jacobs. He holds a special place in the fan base's heart for his rugged playstyle and contributions to the franchise's two most recent Super Bowl victories. However, the club has had minimal luck finding someone who can tote the rock angrily like him -- until now.
What if we told you the Giants have found their next version of Jacobs in rookie Cam Skattebo? That may sound premature to make such a declaration three games into the latter's career, but the numbers and good ol' eye test support it.
Giants have found their next version of Brandon Jacobs in rookie RB Cam Skattebo
At first glance, comparing Skattebo to Jacobs might seem laughable. The latter has five inches and roughly 50 pounds on the former. Yet, they both have a similar approach to football: go through anyone who tries to get in front of them.
Like the once-bruising Jacobs, Skattebo is a physical, hard-nosed tailback; there's nothing pretty or graceful about it. Their barrelling ways are akin to the city they represent, AKA the one that never sleeps. The G-Men have been yearning to reimplement this archetype into the mix since the former decided to hang up the cleats in 2014.
Related: Cam Skattebo just won over one of the scariest defenders in NFL history
Well, over a decade later, the wait finally appears to be over, thanks to Skattebo. The former Arizona State standout ranks second in the NFL in missed tackles forced per carry among players with at least 10 attempts (0.35). He also fourth in yards after contact per rush (3.57) and 80.4 percent of his rushing yards have impressively come after first touch.
Moreover, Skattebo and Jacobs fascinatingly have near-identical draft pedigrees. The Giants selected former in the fourth round this year at No. 105 overall, just five spots ahead of when they took Jacobs in 2005. Clearly, Big Blue can identify a talented bulldozing Day 3 prospect.
Skattebo has a ways to go before etching his name in the annals of Giants lore like Jacobs. Nevertheless, the fan-favorite newcomer is taking notable strides toward settling in as a long-term mainstay in New York.
Note: Stats courtesy of Fantasy Points' data suite ($).