John Harbaugh was the second-longest-tenured coach behind Mike Tomlin until last season, and the two share deep respect for each other, having been part of multiple matchups. But now, after Harbaugh has taken the helm of the New York Giants, Tomlin has a take on the bold ask of his running backs.

“John Harbaugh is ‘killing mosquitoes with an axe’ says Mike Tomlin,” WFAA reporter Ed Werder wrote on X. “Referring to the NYG coach benching Cam Skattebo for fumbling last week and releasing Najee Harris after the player questioned his opportunities. He’s making an example of them to underscore his authority with new team.”

One of the most controversial decisions that Tomlin was referring to took place in Week 5, a 27-27 tie against the Washington Commanders, when Skattebo had a disappointing run with the ball. He also fumbled in overtime, which proved costly. This made Harbaugh bench him for the next game against the New Orleans Saints, which the Giants lost.

“You can say you don’t like divvying up the carries between four running backs; I don’t like it either. One of those guys needs to step up … you won’t get a better answer on that from any coach in the world. If you don’t like that answer, I don’t know what I’ve got for you. Honestly,” Harbaugh said on benching Skattebo.

Harbaugh was hoping one of the other backs would step up to the occasion, giving chances to veteran running back Harris as well. But after averaging only 3.2 yards per carry, Harbaugh decided to release him, focusing on the other three options at the position and saying the decision was made with “nothing against him” and that the team made the move to “get guys on the roster.”

Tomlin, who faced off against Harbaugh 44 times in the league while the two were coaches of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, respectively, didn’t align with Harbaugh’s strict approach to the running back position. But setting aside his Giants critique, Tomlin has had immense respect for Harbaugh and even had emotional words for him when Baltimore fired Harbaugh.

“I just have so much respect for Harbs,” Tomlin said on the Rich Eisen Show in January. “Our stories will forever be interwoven in this rivalry that we’ve been fortunate and honored enough to be a part of. I’ve just got so much respect for him and how he’s gone about his business, and we’ve certainly had some legendary battles over the years.”

While Tomlin criticized Harbaugh’s decisions, Skattebo was rather apologetic about the fumble in Week 5 and said that “at the end of the day, I’ve got to take care of the ball. I’ve done it my whole life.”

Skattebo also mentioned how the 11 Commanders stars were “screaming” at him as he fumbled. Handling embarrassment at the hands of his opponents and getting benched by his coach lit a fire in him, and he came back stronger. In Week 7’s 27-21 win against the Houston Texans, Skattebo carried 17 times for 124 yards, including a touchdown.

Skattebo also made a crucial 42-yard run to set up the Giants’ game-winning touchdown.

“Yeah, I mean he was always going to be a big part of our season. And he had a heck of a week of practice; all the backs did,” Harbaugh said of Skattebo and the RBs after the Week 7 win.

Skattebo also commented on his performance and stepping up for his team, saying that “I think I got taught a lesson,” and further talked about how he is now carrying the ball with a “wrist lock” after the Week 5 fumble.

The Giants are now 4-2-1 going into Week 8, and while Tomlin saw some discrepancies between Harbaugh and his RBs, Skattebo might finally be the answer to all the problems at the position.

The post “Killing Mosquitoes With an Axe”: Mike Tomlin Shares Unique Take on John Harbaugh's Coaching After NY Giants Win appeared first on EssentiallySports. Add EssentiallySports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.