After reflection, Giants' Cam Skattebo says recent fumbles a mental issue

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo said he used the past week to step back and address the mental side of his recent ball-security issues rather than treating them as a technique problem.

"I think I got taught a lesson," Skattebo told reporters on Friday. "I don't know if that's from them or from myself, but I kind of had to step back and look at it and figure out why I was doing the things I was doing, what was happening. Came to practice, corrected those things, worked on them. Ready to go back out there and play ball."

He described getting ahead of himself in some games this season and losing sight of the primary task at that moment.

"There were a couple of mishaps that happened and I think it was the mental part," Skattebo said. "You see, in (the Washington) game, I got really excited, really happy. I think I got a little ahead of myself during the end of that game. I lost the main purpose of the game, and it was to take care of the ball at that moment. And I lost it. I think just understanding the situation and the circumstances I'm in, taking care of the ball and I'll be fine."

Skattebo made clear he is not positioning himself for a larger role based on this week's work. He said he has not yet done anything to earn more responsibility and will simply maximize whatever snaps come his way Sunday.

"I didn't do anything yet," Skattebo said. "I took care of the ball during practice and whatever my role is on Sunday is going to be my role and I'm going to give it everything I've got."

That approach fits with how the running back group has responded to John Harbaugh's open competition for the workhorse job. Skattebo said he, Devin Singletary, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. entered the week with a shared mindset and have stayed in regular communication about how each likes to hit holes so the next man is prepared when one comes off the field.

"Whoever is going to carry the ball knows that the other two guys got their back," Skattebo said. "When that guy comes off the field, the next guy in is going to perform. The vibes have been great. We've been talking. We've been staying on the same page."

The three backs have also coordinated with the offensive line so blocking schemes and preferred paths stay aligned. Skattebo said that communication has been consistent this week and the group is ready to carry it into the game.

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