New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo grabbed the headlines after he got an unnecessary roughness penalty during Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans for lowering his helmet into a defender.
During the first quarter of Sunday’s game, Skattebo lowered his head and sent Texans safety M.J. Stewart flying to the ground for a 7-yard gain. However, the officials flagged the Giants running back for the play.
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Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce called out the decision against the Giants running back on the “New Heights” podcast with his brother, Travis Kelce.
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“I mean, I get it. I understand why they’re calling it,” Jason said. “I think it’s the dumbest penalty in the world. I hate that it’s a penalty … This is my thing: if the running back hits the defensive player with the crown of his helmet, and you get run over, that’s the defensive guy’s fault. I think it’s a dumba**s penalty.
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“I think the runner should have the ability to lower his shoulder and gain yardage, however he wants, and if his head goes down with it, that’s the way he should. I’m not a fan of the way this is called. I understand it’s a penalty, and this is how they want to officiate it. I actually think he more just lowered his shoulders. I didn’t think he actually lowered his head as much.
Skattebo, who finished with a career-high 124 yards on 17 carries in a 27-21 overtime win for the Giants, wasn’t happy with the call. Giants coach John Harbaugh was also visibly frustrated with the call during the game.
Giants coach John Harbaugh asks NFL for explanation over Cam Skattebo’s penalty
Giants running back Cam Skattebo has vowed to continue to run the ball like he wants to despite being fined $7,073 for an “illegal helmet contact” earlier this month.
Giants coach John Harbaugh also backed the star running back, inquiring about an explanation from the league for the penalty.
“I’m quite sure Skattebo’s not trying to use his helmet as a weapon, as a battering ram,” Harbaugh said. “It’s not the way he’s thinking. He’s leading with his shoulder. That’s what he’s trying to do.
“So, I didn’t have a problem with the technique personally at all, but we haven’t heard from the league. Maybe they’ll be able to enlighten us a little bit on it in terms of what they want us to teach, and that would be great.”
Skattebo reportedly had a conversation with the official that flagged him for the penalty. However, the Giants running back didn’t share the details of his conversation.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
