Titans' Jeffery Simmons says Giants' Cameron Skattebo lowering helmet breaks NFL rule
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons questioned if at times New York Giants running back Cameron Skattebo is breaking NFL rules with his run style.
Simmons said he took a direct blow to the stomach from Skattebo's helmet during a run in the Titans' 12-7 loss at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 27. The NFL prohibits players on both sides of the ball from hitting directly with the crown of their helmets.
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"I mean, he's already a compact player. A guy like me trying to get off a block, and then guys like that, he's going to lower his pads," said Simmons, who was recently voted by teammates as the Titans' NFLPA voting representative. "I think a couple times he did lower his helmet, which I thought was a point of emphasis in this league, especially with running backs. Because if we lower our helmet (on defense), we're going to get flagged for it."
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 27: Cam Ward #1 and Tony Pollard #20 of the Tennessee Titans warmup with teammates prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 27, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Simmons said he wasn't out to make excuses. He was complimentary of Skattebo, who is a physical 5-foot-11, 215-pound runner. Skattebo finished with 20 carries for 60 yards for the Giants (2-1).
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Sometimes there's a gray area when evaluating instances where players lead with their helmet. Simmons seemed sure it was happening against the Titans (0-3).
"I'm sure if you turn on the tape, he's doing that a lot," he said. "It's hard to bring guys like that to the ground when they're doing it."
Simmons continued: "(The NFL) is a brotherhood. I want to win. I'm doing everything it takes to win . . . But if he was my teammate, I'd be like, 'Hey, man, just keep your head up and lower your shoulders instead of always having your head down first.' But like I said, he's a hell of a player and he brings a lot of juice to the offense."
Tyler Palmateer covers the Tennessee Titans for The Tennessean. Have a story idea for Tyler? Reach him at tpalmateer@tennessean.com and on the X platform, @tpalmateer83.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Titans' Jeffery Simmons says Giants' Cameron Skattebo lowering helmet breaks NFL rule
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