Giants running back Cam Skattebo had a rather eventful Thursday night.
It ultimately ended in shocking disappointment, as the Giants blew a four-point lead in the final two minutes and lost 24-21 to the Commanders.
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This was a big-time missed opportunity for the Giants, who now don’t have the NFC East tiebreaker advantage over the Commanders.
While the 5-3-1 Giants remain alone atop the division, they could have emerged from Thursday with a significant cushion as their schedule gets tougher.
As for Skattebo, he wants to see — and hear — more from the crowd at MetLife Stadium, starting with next week’s home game against the imposing Jaguars. That nationally televised 4:25 p.m. game now looms large.
There were some empty seats in the upper deck at MetLife on Thursday night. Skattebo noticed.
“Everyone expected a thunderstorm and a dumping-rain game, so probably missing a couple people out there [because of that],” Skattebo said of the vibe. “But it turned out good, man. A lot of people on third down, making noise. I think this stadium could be a little bit louder when the defense is on the field at times in more critical moments. But at the end of the day, we’ve got to execute.”
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Yes, indeed.
The Giants got the ball back with 2:15 left, up 21-17, on Washington’s 46 after an interception. This was the offense’s chance to seal the victory.
“We wanted to end the game right there,” right guard Francis Mauigoa told NJ.com.
But they went three plays and out, gaining just 5 yards in 29 seconds. A rare terrible punt from Jordan Stout (12 yards) gave the Commanders possession at their 29. They answered with the 71-yard, game-winning touchdown drive.
“We had opportunities at the end of the game to close it out — and we didn’t,” Skattebo said. “We’ve just got to execute better.”
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Skattebo mostly played well after Giants coach John Harbaugh opted to not trade for Jonathan Taylor to replace him. (Harbaugh could still make that trade in the offseason.)
Skattebo had 78 rushing yards and two touchdowns, plus 44 receiving yards.
He also had an ill-advised pregame meal that resulted in him puking after the first quarter.
“I had a pretzel-wrapped hot dog, didn’t sit right in my stomach, nothing crazy,” he said. “Got rid of it and felt good after.”
A pretzel-wrapped hot dog before playing an NFL game?
Skattebo just shrugged.
As for the in-game barfing thing, Skattebo said, “It’s happened before.”
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More importantly, the Giants must navigate a mostly tough six-game stretch between now and the end of December.
This is the stretch that will define their season. They get the 6-2 Jaguars and the 7-1 49ers at home and the 5-4 Seahawks and 6-2 Lions on the road. They also visit the 2-7 Colts and host the 5-4 Browns.
MORE BY DARRYL SLATER
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So while Skattebo is disappointed about Thursday’s missed opportunity, he isn’t letting himself stress too much about it, considering the Giants still remain ahead of the 4-5 Cowboys and 3-5-1 Commanders in the NFC East.
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And there’s a good chance the Cowboys will lose to the 49ers this weekend.
“I’m not too worried about it,” Skattebo said of Thursday’s result. “We’ve got the rest of the division to handle — and we’ll let it work itself out.”
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