When Cam Skattebo, running back of New York Giants exploded for three touchdowns on Thursday, October 9, 2025, the NFC East got a little more interesting. The Giants, playing at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, beat the Philadelphia Eagles 34‑17 in a Thursday Night Football showdown that shifted the division balance and gave the rookie a career‑defining night.
Game Overview
The matchup started like any other early‑season battle between two struggling NFC East clubs: the Eagles jumped out to a quick 7‑0 lead, but the Giants answered with a field goal and a steady drive that set the tone for the rest of the night. By halftime the scoreboard read 21‑10 in New York’s favor, thanks largely to Skattebo’s first two scores – a 12‑yard rush and a 28‑yard reception that left the Philadelphia secondary gaping.
Statistically, the Giants outgained the Eagles 378‑254 in total yards, forced two turnovers, and dominated time of possession by more than five minutes. The defense, anchored by veteran nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, kept the Eagles’ passing attack at bay, while quarterback Jaxson Dart managed the game’s tempo with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Skattebo’s Breakout Performance
Skattebo’s three‑touchdown day was the first of its kind for the rookie in his short NFL career. Two of those scores came on the ground – a 12‑yard sprint that slipped through a gap created by Lawrence’s slab of the defensive line – and the third was a 28‑yard pass catch on a play designed to stretch the Eagles’ linebackers. The third‑quarter touchdown was initially ruled short by referee Shawn Smith, but a crisp replay at 6:42 PM confirmed the ball had indeed crossed the plane.
After the review, a breathless Skattebo told the post‑game crew, “I knew the first time I reached it, I was in. I kind of fought extra just in case they called me short. But I had a really good feeling I was, and I turned and looked, and seeing that, you know, I was across the line.” He added a humble note that resonated with fans: “As long as we win the game, that’s when I’m happy. I could have 25 yards and zero touchdowns and still be happy that we won.”
- Three touchdowns (2 rush, 1 reception)
- 21 points directly contributed
- 112 rushing yards on 12 carries
- 5 receptions for 57 yards
- First three‑TD game of his career
Other Key Contributors
While Skattebo stole headlines, Jaxson Dart quietly kept the offense clicking. The undrafted free‑agent threw for 215 yards, completed 18 of 27 attempts, and found his receivers for two touchdowns, including a 30‑yard strike to wideout Marcus Hill that capped a 70‑yard drive late in the third quarter.
On defense, Lawrence’s presence was felt on every snap. In the post‑game interview at 10:47 PM, he said, “We see them in another week and a half or two weeks. I’m excited to play them again.” His relentless pressure forced a sack and a hurried pass that led to an interception by safety Leonard Brooks.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
Giants head coach Brian Daboll praised the team’s composure: “We showed resilience, especially after that early Eagles score. Cam’s three touchdowns were the icing, but the whole unit executed our game plan.”
Veteran linebacker Eddie Harrison added, “We’ve been grinding all week. When you see a rookie like Cam step up like that, it gives the locker room a boost.”
On the Eagles side, quarterback Jalen Hurts admitted the defense was too “physical” and that his team would regroup before the next matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Implications for the NFC East
The victory nudged the Giants to a 2‑4 record, pulling them within 1½ games of the 3‑3 Eagles. While third place in the division remains out of reach for now, the win kept New York’s playoff hopes alive and forced the Eagles to re‑evaluate their defensive schemes.
Analysts at ESPN noted that the Giants’ improved offensive balance – now featuring a reliable rushing threat in Skattebo – could be the missing piece the franchise needs to climb out of the bottom of the NFC East. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ loss highlighted lingering issues in pass protection, a problem they will need to solve before meeting the Cowboys on Sunday.
Looking Ahead
The Giants’ next challenge arrives on Sunday, October 19, when they travel to FedExField to face the Washington Commanders. If Skattebo keeps up his scoring pace, New York could finally break the early‑season slump that has plagued them since the 2024 campaign.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, heads back home to host Dallas at AT&T Stadium. The Eagles will need to tighten up their offensive line and perhaps find a new way to contain explosive backs like Skattebo when they meet the Cowboys’ famed defensive front.
Background: Giants vs. Eagles Rivalry
This game was the latest chapter in a rivalry that dates back to the 1960s. The most recent notable clash before this season occurred in Week 1 of 2024, when the Eagles edged the Giants 20‑17 at Lincoln Financial Field. That narrow loss sparked a months‑long debate among fans about whether the Giants could ever keep pace with Philadelphia’s high‑octane offense.
Historically, the NFC East has been dominated by the Dallas Cowboys and Washington, but the Giants and Eagles have each enjoyed stretches of dominance. Skattebo’s three‑TD night may signal a shift, reminding the league that the Giants still have youthful weapons capable of altering the division’s power balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cam Skattebo’s performance affect the Giants’ offense?
Skattebo’s three touchdowns give the Giants a genuine rushing threat they lacked early in the season. With 112 yards on 12 carries, defenses can no longer stack the box, which should open up play‑action passes for Jaxson Dart and keep the Eagles’ secondary honest in upcoming games.
What does this win mean for the NFC East standings?
The victory moves the Giants to 2‑4, just 1.5 games behind the 3‑3 Eagles. While still in fourth place, New York is now within striking distance of a playoff spot if they can string together a few more wins in the second half of the season.
Who were the key defensive players for the Giants?
Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence led the line with a sack and constant pressure. Safety Leonard Brooks added an interception that set up a scoring drive, while linebacker Eddie Harrison praised the unit’s cohesion in post‑game comments.
What are the Giants’ next challenges?
New York travels to Washington on October 19 to face the Commanders. They must maintain offensive momentum while shoring up a secondary that still gives up big passes. A win would tighten the NFC East race and boost morale ahead of a crucial mid‑season stretch.
How did the Eagles respond to the loss?
Philadelphia’s coaches emphasized correcting pass‑protection lapses that allowed the Giants’ rush to succeed. Quarterback Jalen Hurts said the team will focus on quicker releases and better line communication before their upcoming clash with the Dallas Cowboys.
