Skattebo shines as Giants fall 22-9 to Chiefs
Rookie Cam Skattebo leads Giants in rushing and receiving, but the offense remains stymied by a shallow passing game in a Sunday-night defeat to Kansas City.
In a Sunday night game at Arrowhead Stadium, the New York Giants were defeated 22-9 by the Kansas City Chiefs. The night belonged to Cam Skattebo, who led the team in both rushing and receiving yards as part of a run-heavy approach that underscored a sputtering passing attack.
New York's offense struggled otherwise, as the deep ball was largely ignored in favor of Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. The Giants opened with Tracy and Skattebo on their first 10 plays, marching to the Chiefs' 28-yard line before stalling. After Tracy was knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury, Devin Singletary came in to fill his role, and the Giants continued to rely on Skattebo. Skattebo produced a 13-yard touchdown run with 1:44 left in the second quarter to tie the game at 6-6, and he later caught a 16-yard pass on the opening drive that led to a scoring sequence. He finished with 10 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown, plus six receptions for 60 yards.
IMAGE: Cam Skattebo runs with the ball during the Giants-Chiefs game on Sept. 21, 2025.
Despite Skattebo's efficiency, the three-back approach hindered the team’s ability to form a consistent passing game. The early sequence on the first scoring drive included a 21-yard play to start the drive. Without Tracy, the Giants' ground game lacked the big-play weapon they had hoped for. The Giants repeatedly got into a rhythm with Skattebo; Daboll's comment: "The run game was a step in the right direction." "Cam’s a tough competitor. He’s been running hard and has done a good job in the passing game, too."
Earlier in the week, Daboll said the usage of the three main backs "could be a week-to-week deal," adding that how the three are playing in a game would impact how much they'd play that week. Skattebo, a first-year player, said he hoped to prove he deserved to carry the ball often. "I like to look at every game I’m going to be hot," the rookie said. "I like to run the ball and hopefully by the time my career is over, I’m the guy that’s probably touching the ball about 25 to 30 times a game. That’s the goal. That’s the plan. But whatever it is for this year, the rookie year, I’m going to just ride with that and continue to make sure that I give whatever I can for the team’s success."
With his athleticism and willingness to play through contact, Skattebo has already begun to earn a reputation, but so far it hasn’t resulted in victories. The Giants entered the night hoping to feature a deeper passing game, but the Chiefs’ defense constrained big plays and limited the offense to a game where Skattebo stood out most in a losing effort.
The run game, while a small bright spot, was not enough to offset the absence of a more consistent aerial attack. Coach Brian Daboll reiterated that the approach to the running backs would be evaluated weekly, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the rotation and the need for balance. As Skattebo continues to develop in his rookie season, the Giants will reassess their personnel groupings heading into their next contest, hoping to pair Skattebo’s dual-threat ability with more explosive plays through the air.
IMAGE: New York Giants celebrate
The trio of backs remains a focal point of the offense, and Daboll’s comments suggest the plan will continue to be a week-to-week proposition based on performance and opponent. For Skattebo, the night provided a strong case for expanded opportunities, and for the Giants, it underscored the ongoing challenge of sustaining a potent, multi-faceted attack in a tough division.