New York Giants' Cam Skattebo Just Saved His Job

The New York Giants pulled off a stunner on Sunday, defeating the Houston Texans by a score of 27-21 in overtime on the road.

The Giants were already without Jaxson Dart and Brian Burns. We knew that. But it was also revealed late last week that Tremaine Edmunds is now out for the season. Jevon Holland and Greg Newsome II both missed Week 7 with concussions.

But in spite of all of that, New York came away with a victory, and it was thanks much in part to a tremendous effort from Cam Skattebo.

Skattebo carried the ball 17 times for 124 yards and a touchdown, and his lone score featured the bruising running back breaking three tackles on his way to the end zone. He also punctured the Texans' defense for a pivotal 42-yard scamper in the extra session, setting up Devin Singletary's game-winning touchdown.

And thanks to Skattebo's breakout game, which was also the best game of his NFL career, he saved his job as the Giants' starting running back.

The second-year pro was benched last week against the New Orleans Saints after having fumbled four times in his first five games of the season, the most recent of which cost New York an overtime victory versus the Washington Commanders in Week 5.

John Harbaugh's message was clear: either get it together, or the Giants would find someone that would.

Well, Skattebo certainly answered the bell in Houston, putting together a phenomenal, gritty performance that now has New York at 4-2-1 heading into the bye week and with a firm hold on first place in the NFC East.

The Giants were said to be hunting a running back before the NFL trade deadline entering Sunday's action, and they probably still should. One big game from Skattebo doesn't suddenly erase New York's need for more backfield pop.

But there is no question that Harbaugh likely feels a whole lot better about his running back situation following Skattebo's burner.

J.J. McCarthy played a very solid game, as well, going 20-for-28 with 252 yards without any turnovers. He regularly found Malik Nabers (who just posted his fourth straight 100-yard performance) and rookie Malachi Fields, and he looked more than comfortable against a fierce pass rush in a hostile environment.

Linebacker Micah McFadden also deserves a shoutout in his first start of the season, racking up 10 tackles, a couple of tackles for loss and a quarterback hit in place of the injured Edmunds.

All things considered, this was the Giants' most impressive win of the campaign, and it could not have come at a better time.