Top > Sport > 2007 > January > 2007-01-01

Barber, always Barber

New York Giants running back Tiki Barber made the greatest effort of his career to make sure his final regular season game will not be his last game. Rushing for a franchise-record 234 yards and three touchdowns helped New York beat the Washington Redskins 34-28 and remain in the playoff picture. The Giants (8-8) have most likely assured playoff berth. They compete with Green Bay for the final NFC wild-card spot.

Barber had only two touchdowns this season so far. He gained the record 234 yards on 23 carries. "He put this team and this offense on his back," a team-mate said of Barber`s performance. Giants quarterback Eli Manning, in his third professional year, has been held much responsible for the team`s late season woes. The Giants have lost six of their last eight games. Manning played decent football, passing for 101 yards on 12 of 26 passing and one touchdown.

The Giants will play their first playoff round against Philadelphia or Dallas, on the road. Will the strong performance to finish the regular season help carry them through the first round? "The NFL is all about momentum," Barber said. "And now I think we`ve established that ? and that`s all that matters."