Giants credit rookie fan favorite for providing 'spark' amid 1-4 start

Of course, Skattebo is more than just an entertaining figure. ESPN stats show that the 23-year-old will enter the game against the Eagles leading the Giants with 63 carries, 240 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. He also showed throughout the season's first five weeks that he is willing, and perhaps even happy, to dish out punishment as a blocker. 

"We're definitely trying to teach him to keep his head up so he doesn't get fined or anything," Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt said about Skattebo. "But it's hard to do with him. He's a running back, you know what I mean? He sees anyone, he wants to run through them. So it's hard to tell a running back to keep their head up. We're trying. It might take some time."

Why Giants already "love" Cam Skattebo

Logic suggests the Giants will lose more than they win through Week 18 of the ongoing campaign. As of Thursday morning, ESPN BET had Big Blue as a 7.5-point home underdog against the Eagles. In a way, the Giants enduring yet another losing season could result in Skattebo becoming a locker-room leader this fall.  

"I love it," Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke said about the Skattebo-related spark. "As a young player, that is how you build a great roster. You have veteran leadership and presence, and young energy. He definitely brings it. He's breaking down the huddle. He's hooting and hollering and getting guys energized. And from a physicality standpoint, he brings it."