The New York Giants saw their future take force in the team’s 34-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night. With Jaxson Dart under center and Cam Skattebo running the rock out of the backfield, there was an excitement illuminating MetLife Stadium as two young rookies took it to the defending Super Bowl champions.
While Dart is doing his thing in giving Giants fans hope at the QB position, the story of the night and season so far is Skattebo who is not only showcasing his physical, punishing ability on the field as a playmaker, but illustrating just how impactful his personality is in the locker room and off the field.
Cam Skatteo emerging as the steal of the 2025 NFL Draft
On Thursday night, No. 44 rushed for 98 yards with three touchdowns showing the NFL that he is every bit the player he was at Arizona State. As a player who finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting, Skattebo was one of the most impactful players in college football in 2025. If not for the performance of Ashton Jeanty, perhaps he would’ve gotten even more attention and landed a lot higher in the 2025 NFL Draft.
But, as a fourth-round pick, the Giants got a steal with Skattebo, and he is proving it with his fearlessness and energy on the field. In taking it to and through the chests of the Eagles defense, the Giants rookie was the best running back on the field on Thursday night and a rookie who was drafted to the right situation to shine in the spotlight.
Shining bright in prime time
Big Apple, big dreams and big energy, Skattebo has taken advantage of his opportunity and is living his best life as an invigorating personality the NFL world is starting to see. A spark on offense, Skattebo is one of the top rookie running backs in the NFL and it looks like he is just getting started.
Speaking of that spark, when asked if he is a player who injects energy into his teammates, Skattebo gave props to all eleven guys on the field.
“Yeah, I feel it, but there's a spark that comes from a lot of guys, too. (QB) Jaxson (Dart) brings a spark,” Skattebo said following the game. “Those guys in the receiving room that stepped up today made some great catches – some huge catches on third down. And continuing to build is what we need to do and play as a team. Eleven guys are on the field at once, and we all have to play together, and everyone has to be perfect to execute, so props to all of them, and great job today.”
While Sun Devil fans are well equipped to the player Skattebo is, it is good to see how much that has translated to the NFL level as one of the top rookie stories in 2025. Going forward, can the 2-4 Giants build off a win over the defending Super Bowl champions?
If the spark known as Cam Skattebo continues to ignite the entire organization and fans, the answer is yes. The Giants look as though they are going to be a fun team to watch going forward. Even if that doesn’t result in many wins, the silver lining is that they have a future to get excited about and have a direction. That could be what saves Brian Daboll’s job as the Giants' 2025 draft class is looking like a special one in the Gotham City.