Cam Skattebo apparently forgot that one of the key elements of a Tush Push is to push.
The Giants running back bizarrely did not move for almost two seconds on the critical failed tush push late in the Giants’ 24-21 home loss to the Commanders.
Without Skattebo’s help, Giants backup quarterback Jameis Winston failed to get the essential yard with less than four minutes remaining that could have helped bleed the clock with the Giants leading 17-14.
Giants coach John Harbaugh, who came under fire for his passive decisions all game long, did not notice Skattebo’s frozen stance in real time.
“I’d have to see the tape, I’m not sure about that,” Harbaugh said after falling to 5-3-1. “I don’t have a comment really until I see it on tape.”
Former Eagles staffer Ryan Paganetti timed Skattebo at 1.8 seconds without moving and said his apparent mistake may have factored into the loss.
“(It’s) 1.8 seconds. That’s how long Cam Skattebo stayed in his stance after the snap on this critical 3rd & 1. He didn’t reach the pile until about 2.8 seconds had elapsed. By then, Winston’s initial push had already been stopped,” Paganetti posted on X above a clip of the play.
“The Giants fell just short and ultimately punted while protecting a four point lead. On a play decided by inches, this delay could have been the difference between keeping the ball and giving Washington another chance. It may have cost the Giants the game.”
The Giants faced a third-and-1 at their own 11-yard line when they attempted the Tush Push, a quarterback sneak featuring teammates pushing the ball carrier.
The key to the play is getting some help from those behind you, yet Skattebo stayed down in a three-point stance while Winston moved forward.
The Commanders met Winston at the line and by the time Skattebo finally joined the action, he couldn’t help Winston get the needed yard.
The referees initially ruled Winston registered the needed yard but overturned the call.
The Giants intercepted Jayden Daniels on the next possession but another three-and-out on the next drive preceded Washington’s game-winning march.
Skattebo, who tallied two rushing scores despite puking during the game, seemingly did not receive any postgame questions about his actions on that play.
“We fell short on a couple third downs,” Skattebo said. “We had opportunities at the end of the game to close it out and we didn’t. It’s simple as that. We got to execute better.”
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