The NFL is now looking at a missed facemask penalty involving Cam Skattebo after Sunday night’s Giants-Cowboys game, and the replay made the whole sequence look hard to ignore.
It happened early, on New York’s second offensive possession, during a critical third-down snap. Skattebo took the handoff at his own 44-yard line, got swallowed up for no gain, and immediately sprang up yelling at the nearby referee.
The reason was obvious on the broadcast: Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams had grabbed and twisted his helmet, leaving Skattebo with a bloodied nose and forcing him off the field briefly. No flag came out.
The missed call didn’t stop the Giants from trying to move on, but it did leave them with a punt. Dallas then answered on its next possession to tie the game at 7-7.
Even without a penalty on the field, the league can still fine Williams if it reviews the play. Per the league’s website, the first facemask offense carries a $11,941 fine, while a second offense is $17,911.
For Skattebo, though, the night was also a strong return to the lineup. In his first official game back from injury, the second-year running back wasted no time setting the tone.
He finished with a game-high 81 rushing yards and opened the scoring by powering in from 3 yards out on the first drive. He punctuated the touchdown with a backflip in the end zone, then kept bringing the same physical edge throughout New York’s 28-20 divisional win.
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