Cam Skattebo owned up to his poor protection on Jaxson Dart’s killer fourth quarter interception in last Sunday’s 33-32 loss at Denver.
“I mean, I got f–ked up,” Skattebo told the Daily News of getting run over by Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton. “That’s really it.”
Singleton did appear to trip Dart with his leg as the Giants quarterback tried to step through to make his throw. But Skattebo took accountability for creating the log jam that contributed to the turnover.
“He got lower than me and he hit me harder. That’s really it,” Skattebo said. “I gotta be better in that moment for my quarterback. But he just got the better end of it that time.”
Skattebo’s most endearing quality is that there is no question he will stick his nose right back into contact the next time. He even seeks it out when it’s not necessary.
He reminded everyone of that on his 13-yard touchdown catch on a screen pass in the second quarter. He scored but still lowered his head into Broncos corner Riley Moss in the end zone.
Why?
“It looked like he was gonna hit me,” Skattebo said.
So hit him first?
“Yep,” he said.
Skattebo, 23, is having an eventful rookie season, to put it mildly. He was just fined $15,000 by the NFL for violating the concussion protocol on the sideline in Week 6.
“I don’t really got any comments,” Skattebo said. “I’m just glad Jaxson’s healthy. They took action, and it’s over with.”
The Giants will need Skattebo to continue playing with his screw-loose edge in Sunday’s rematch with the Eagles.
He racked up 110 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in their 34-17 win over Philly at MetLife Stadium in Week 6 and helped the Giants finish the game with some physical runs late.
“We played a physical game,” Skattebo said, “so we’re expecting them to be a little bit more physical than they were last time and come at us with some heat. So I’m excited to play them again.
“It’s Giants versus Eagles,” he added. “We’ll see what happens.”
A.J. BROWN OUT FOR EAGLES
Eagles star receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) was ruled out for Sunday’s game. That’s a big blow to Philly’s offense as the Eagles (5-2) seek a second straight win entering their bye.
Philly will have three key players who missed all or most of their Week 6 loss to the Giants back on the field: star defensive tackle Jalen Carter, starting left guard Landon Dickerson and top corner Quinyon Mitchell.
But the Eagles also will be missing starting center Cam Jurgens, corner Adoree Jackson (concussion) and edge Azeez Ojulari (hamstring). Veteran edge Brandon Graham (not injury related), who just came out of retirement, also is not playing as he acclimates. And wide receiver Darius Cooper (shoulder) is questionable.
The Giants, meanwhile, are banged up on defense.
Starting corner Paulson Adebo (knee) and defensive lineman Chauncey Golston (neck) are out. Starting safety Jevon Holland (knee) is doubtful. And edge Brian Burns (hip) and lineman D.J. Davidson (ankle) are questionable. So is kicker Graham Gano (groin).
