The New York Giants are still searching for answers at the running back position. Cam Skattebo, who was expected to be the bell cow for New York’s offense this season, didn’t have any carries in Sunday’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, something the young back attributed to his costly fumble last week against the Washington Commanders.
“I got punished for what I did (from last week). I understand it so I gotta be ready when coach calls my name, and that wasn’t today,” he said after the game. “It’s hard, but I’ve made mistakes, and I got to own up to them.”
While Giants legend Tiki Barber feels that’s just a part of why Skattebo saw his workload reduced, another Giants back, Najee Harris, is also finding himself in new territory and was open about the frustrations that have come with his new role.
“It’s hard to get in a rhythm with one or two plays,” Harris said after the game. “The first couple runs will be like, ‘OK, how are they playing it?’ And then the next ones will be, ‘OK, this is how you attack it.’ But if you’re getting a play here and then get taken out for a series, there’s nothing you could do. That’s why I’m saying, ‘I don’t know.’ I’ve never been through none of this before.”
Giants head coach John Harbaugh got wind of Harris’ comments and addressed them in his Monday press conference.
“I do understand it, respect it. Also understand that that’s earned. I would love for us to be in that kind of a circumstance, a Derrick Henry circumstance or the Saquon Barkley circumstance … that would be great,” Harbaugh responded, via Greg Johnson.
“Our run game hasn’t earned that yet. None of those guys have. My advice would be, to any player … ‘Do the most you can with the opportunities you get.
“Make the most of those opportunities, and you’re sure to get more opportunities. Do something.’ “I get it that you want to get out there, and you want to get in a rhythm, but that rhythm is earned, too, and it just hasn’t happened yet. Definitely want it to happen. A couple weeks ago we kind of went that direction, and the running game was no different than it was this last game.
“My advice is, ‘Go out there and take the job when you get the ball. Take the job.’ That would be true, I think good advice, for all of us at all times in every circumstance, and I know he understands that.”
The Giants’ running game has a tall task ahead of it with the Houston Texans defense up next, a unit that has been surging since head coach Demeco Ryans took over playcalling duties.
The post John Harbaugh reacts to running back talking to media about playing time appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.