RB Cam Skattebo: 'The O-line answered the call'

SPEAKER_1 (0:00)

All right, Cam, so we know what it's been like around the complex the last couple of weeks. A lot of adversity, a lot of ups, a lot of downs to respond this way. What does that tell you about you and your teammates?

Cam Skattebo (0:11)

Yeah, I mean, first off, the O-line answered the call, man. You know, we challenged them this week to fire off the ball, stay low with their pad level, and kick some, kick some, and then they did that.

You know, I was successful because they were successful. And, you know, the other guys did a great job today as well. The other running backs, you know, they worked off each other really well, and complimentary football worked its way today. So it was awesome to be able to, you know, show coach and show the team that we have running backs in the backfield that can do it. And, you know, it was pretty cool.

SPEAKER_1 (0:42)

Especially after Tracy goes down, you know you're going to be short now in the backfield. You get the big run in overtime, and obviously held on to the ball. What was different about your ball technique that allowed you to hold on to it? Did you do something different this week, and how aware of you were that down the stretch of this game?

Cam Skattebo (0:58)

Yeah, I mean, I wasn't really thinking about it at all. I think the main thing was, you know, just playing ball like I play ball, you know? And at the end of the game, yeah, I'm thinking about it. Only thing that matters is the ball. And when I fumbled against Washington, it wasn't in my mind to take care of the ball at that moment. And this week, you know, Motor came up to me and was like, only thing that matters right now is the ball.

So I made sure I took care of it. You know, I can protect the ball if I need to, and when I have the right mindset. So, you know, I made sure that I worked on it all week and could just continue to be me.

SPEAKER_1 (1:28)

Where did the assertiveness and the confidence of JJ McCarthy come from? He's only been here a month, and this is his first start. And it seemed like you and your offense fed off of him and vice versa.

Cam Skattebo (1:38)

Yeah, I mean, no matter who's back there in that backfield, you know, both of those guys have juice.

They bring the energy for us. And, you know, we believe in both of those guys. So being able to for him to come in, get the dub on his first on his first start here as a giant, it was awesome, man. He was able to come in, execute. He took care of the ball the whole game, didn't give it up. And we were able to win the game. So it's huge, huge for him to be able to take care of the ball. And two, he made plays when plays need to be made.

SPEAKER_1 (2:04)

And finally, what about the mentality of this team coming off the tie and the disappointing loss to have this huge, dramatic win in overtime? And now you go into the bye week. I have to think that really changes the whole mindset.

Cam Skattebo (2:15)

Yeah, for sure. I mean, the win, the win definitely helps to buy.

You know, you're able to get healthy. Coach might take it a little easier on us. But it was awesome to be able to, you know, go out there, execute, do what we got to do, and then be able to have a week off after this. It's a pretty good feeling.