4. Skattebo a tough tackle
James kept it simple when describing what approach the Chargers will take with Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo.
“Get everyone to the ball,” James said.
New York took Skattebo in the fourth round after the former Arizona State standout was among college football’s best players in 2024.
Skattebo has brought that hard-charging style to the Giants as he already has six broken tackles on 23 rushing attempts plus three more on 10 receptions.
Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter routinely preaches getting multiple players to the ball in order to prevent big plays.
That mantra will need to be as evident as ever against Skattebo on Sunday.
“It’s a hard hat type of game, got to get more than one hat on the ball, which we preach a lot,” Minter said. “Tackling, taking great angles, getting shots at him. There’s going to be times maybe you need to tackle him low.
“If you try to tackle him up top, he lowers his shoulder, does a good job getting yards after contact, running through arm tackles,” Minter added. “They’ve done a good job getting him the ball in a variety of ways. He’s done some really fast-hitting downhill runs, caught the ball on the flat and got down the sideline, do some things like that.”
Consider Henley ready for the challenge.
“It’s anticipating a high, upper runner. Anticipating a guy who is not afraid of contact and who even is looking to ignite it,” Henley said. “We’re definitely ready for the contact and the physical battle.”
Special teams is always a key point for the Chargers, but it’s an added emphasis this week as Derius Davis won’t play with a knee injury.
Davis, who had a punt return for a score in his only previous game at MetLife Stadium, didn’t practice all week with a knee injury.
That means Haskins likely remains a kickoff returner, but someone needs to be back there with him. Perhaps rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith gets a chance to show what he can do.
“I’m going to miss my guy,” Haskins said of Davis. “We got the right guys to step up and get the job done. We got what we need. It’s going to be a fun game.”
In terms of punt returns, Ladd McConkey handled return duties late in Sunday’s game against the Broncos. It will be interesting to see if the Chargers put him back there or give someone else a chance to make a play.
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