Tiki’s Big Night
Friday, March 28th, 2008Football is obviously a team sport. But, there’s no question that one guy can make a difference in a game’s outcome. That’s exactly what Tiki Barber did last night. Despite facing long odds and key injuries, Tiki knew his Giants’ still had a playoff shot. That glimmer of hope was all the spark Barber needed. He literally took things in his own hands rushing for a career high and Giants’ record 234 yards on 23 carries. And, Barber hit pay dirt three times. The 34-28 win over the Redskins kept the playoff hopes alive and furthered Barber’s storied career.
It’s no surprise to us to see Barber do things like this. He could have easily packed things in and no one would have blamed him. The team had been floundering in a string of losses and the supporting cast just hasn’t been there for him this season. But, as we learned in our interview with Barber before the season, he’s a leader and a professional. If the Giants make the playoffs, I don’t expect Barber to lead them to the NFC finals. But, if they do make it out of the first round it’s a safe bet that Tiki Barber will have a hand in the outcome.
According to NFL.com, the Giants can clinch playoff berth with:
1) NYG clinch strength of victory tiebreaker over Green Bay, OR
2) a Green Bay loss or tie (you can be sure Brett Favre will go down fighting as well against the Bears in what could be his last game)
The Giants clinch strength of victory tiebreaker over Green Bay if:
a) DET loses OR
b) MIN loses OR
c) any two of the following results occur: ARI loss, MIA loss, SF loss, CAR win, HOU win, TB win.
If NY Giants and Green Bay end up tied in strength of victory, then tie will be decided by best strength of schedule.