It was only two weeks ago that there was talk that the New York Giants were on the cusp of finally turning their franchise around. They had just knocked off the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and had an emerging quarterback-running back duo on the rise. Finally, some hope in the Meadowlands appeared to be within reach.

Fast forward to Week 8, and all that hope is gone under a wave of injuries, bad reffing, and poor play from the defense. It doesn’t help that their burgeoning duo in the backfield is no longer possible this year, and that there seems to be no purpose for the team to fight in 2025. It’s back to the drawing board for the Giants after a 38-20 loss at Philadelphia, and the road again starts with a potential top-10 draft pick next year.

Cam Sakttebo’s Injury Is Worse Than Malik Nabers

The injury to fourth-round rookie running back Skattebo might be the most devastating blow to New York in a season marred by injuries. His season came to an end in the second quarter on a check-down pass play when Philadelphia linebacker Zack Baun tackled him from behind. On what appeared to be an illegal hip-drop tackle, Skattebo’s ankle got rolled under Baun and bent awkwardly.

Anyone who even looked at the play for a split second knew Skattebo’s season was over. The reaction from rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart said it all, a crushing blow to the swag and personality of the team:

The fan-favorite running back underwent a successful surgery shortly after the game at a Philadelphia hospital. His recovery is going to be a top story in New York media during the rest of the season and the offseason, regardless of what the Giants do. What is going to be the most pivotal development is whether he’s the same player post-recovery.

It’s the second major lower-body injury to a pivotal offensive weapon for the Giants, with the first being star wideout Malik Nabers in Week 4. The backfield will be spearheaded by Tyrone Tracy Jr., with a potential second back to work on third downs if the team goes in that direction. Brutal.

Bad Calls By Referees Complicate Matters

The no-call against Baun’s hip-drop tackle wasn’t the only blown call during the game on Sunday.

In the second quarter, adding insult to Skattebo’s injury, the Giants not only stopped the “tush push” play against the Eagles but also caused a fumble. The ball appeared to be picked up by New York and would have resulted in a new drive to take the lead, until the referees stepped in. They ruled Hurts was already down past the line, giving the Eagles a first down and an opportunity to score.

Later, Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton caught a 68-yard pass from Dart on what would have been the rookie quarterback’s longest touchdown of the season. However, it was called back on what could be one of the most questionable offensive pass interference calls in recent memory.

Of course, head coach Brian Daboll acted appropriately to the situation, and so did most of the Giants.

Throw in a couple of other penalties, and there’s the reason why everyone wants those referees fired. The Giants somehow mustered up enough courage to tell reporters in an adult-like tone what happened without going ballistic. It’s amazing how that team can keep a straight head when everything is going against them.