Cam Skattebo’s game has already triggered a familiar feeling for Eli Manning, and that’s about as strong an endorsement as a Giants running back can get.
Manning, who spent his career around some of the toughest personalities in New York’s championship years, said this week on Colin Cowherd’s podcast that Skattebo reminds him of former Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey. The comparison wasn’t just about energy or swagger. Manning described both players as a “little off,” but in a way that helped them channel their edge into production.
“When he runs over somebody or you can see it in the fourth quarter [when] guys get tired of hitting him or being in there, like he’s not letting up,” Manning said. “So you got to know you better bring it against him.”
That kind of praise lands with extra weight because Skattebo has spent the past year taking heat for exactly the traits that make him stand out. His backflips after recovering from a severe leg injury, his touchdown dances, and his overall personality have all drawn criticism. Some have labeled him immature, and the national media, in Manning’s view, seemed to go after him this offseason.
But Giants fans have seen enough to know what they’ve got. Skattebo opened his sophomore season with 81 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries last Sunday, and he’s all but locked in as New York’s lead back even with Najee Harris’ recent push up the depth chart.
Jaxson Dart was the only other Giants player with at least seven carries. Devin Singletary added 16 yards on six attempts and also caught four passes for 22 yards and a touchdown.
Skattebo wasted no time making his presence felt at MetLife Stadium, punching in a first-quarter touchdown to put New York ahead 7-0. His 81 yards were the second-most of his career, behind only the 98 he gained in an October 2025 win over the Eagles.
For anyone worried he might tone things down after last year’s severe injuries, Manning said not to count on it.
“He only has one way of practicing, and it’s the same way he plays,” Manning said.
That approach fits the kind of back the Giants have long been missing. Skattebo brings a physical, punishing style that doesn’t show up often in New York’s recent backfield history, and Manning’s comments bring the conversation right back to the franchise’s championship template: an Ole Miss quarterback, a bruising runner, and a tight end capable of creating problems. The source material points to Isaiah Likely in that role.
The next step is simple enough. If the Giants beat the Rams next Monday, they’d also be doing something they’ve done the last two times they started 2-0: reach the postseason.
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