Barber carries Giants to brink of playoffs

Dec 31, 2006, 4:40 GMT

Landover, MD - Tiki Barber rushed for a franchise record 234 yards and scored three touchdowns as New York downed Washington, 34-28, in the regular season finale, as the Giants drew one step closer to advancing to the playoffs despite a poor showing in the second half of the season.

In possibly his last regular season contest, Barber, who announced his plans to retire earlier this season, had a career rushing day and did his part to help his team reach the postseason.

'There are certain things that motivate you (as a player) and push you,' Barber said. 'It is partly because of the circumstances of this game, my last one. Most importantly, we had to win to keep on playing.'

The victory puts New York in the driver's seat to make the postseason as the Giants can officially clinch a playoff berth on Sunday with a Green Bay loss or tie to the Chicago Bears. They can also clinch the sixth-seed in the NFC with a strength-of-victory tiebreaker over the Packers if Green Bay wins Sunday night.

New York's victory also dashed the playoff hopes of three teams as the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers and St. Louis Rams were all eliminated from playoff contention.

Eli Manning completed 12-of-26 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown for the Giants (8-8), who came into the game with just one win in their last six games.

New York head coach Tom Coughlin's decision earlier in the week to demote offensive coordinator John Hufnagel and replace him with quarterback coach Kevin Gilbride proved to be a good one as the Giants piled up 355 total net yards of offense.

Jason Campbell was 21-of-31 for 220 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for the Redskins (5-11), who closed out their disappointing season with back-to-back losses.

'Once we got rolling in the second half and I got into the flow of the game, it seemed like we were unstoppable at one point,' said Campbell. 'Losing at the end like that really hurt.'

Ladell Betts rushed for 92 yards and also caught six passes for 52 yards and a touchdown for Washington. Santana Moss had six receptions for 103 yards and a score in the loss.

With the Redskins driving on the opening possession of the game, the Giants came up with a huge turnover that would lead to points. Betts fumbled inside the New York 20-yard line and Fred Robbins scooped up the loose ball and returned it 67 yards to Washington 12-yard line.

Unable to move the football, the Giants settled for three points as Jay Feely kicked a 34-yard field goal to make it 3-0.

The Redskins responded on the ensuing drive and went in front 7-3 after a wide receiver option pass from Antwaan Randle El connected with Moss in the middle of the end zone for a 48-yard touchdown with just under five minutes remaining in the first quarter.

New York then scored 24 straight points to take control of the contest.

The Giants went up 10-7 after Barber scampered into the end zone from 15 yards out early in the second quarter. The score was Barber's third rushing touchdown of the season and capped a seven-play, 42-yard drive.

New York increased its lead to 17-7 after Barber ripped off a 55-yard run down the left sideline with 5:44 remaining in the second quarter. Barber's score ended a 97-yard drive that started with the Giants pinned back on their own three-yard line.

Just before halftime, Feely made it 20-7 after drilling a 31-yard field goal with just two seconds left in the second quarter.

Barber had a tremendous first half for the Giants with 137 yards rushing.

Jason Bell picked off Campbell about 4 1/2 minutes into the third quarter and New York flipped the turnover into points shortly after.

After a pass interference call on Sean Taylor put the Giants on the Redskins' six-yard line, Manning found a wide open Tim Carter over the middle of the end zone for a six-yard touchdown to make it 27-7 with 9:11 remaining in the third quarter.

Washington answered on the following possession and made it 27-14 after Campbell found Betts open in the end zone for a seven-yard TD toss on a 4th- and-4 play with 2:07 remaining in the third.

After forcing the Giants to punt, the Redskins put together a nine-play, 66- yard drive that ended with T.J. Duckett powering his way over the goal line from one yard out to make it 27-21 with 9:25 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Barber provided New York with some much needed breathing room, as his 50-yard touchdown run made it 34-21 with 6:13 left in the contest.

Washington did not go away quietly and scored a touchdown with 3:22 remaining to make it 34-28. Campbell found a wide open Mike Sellers in the left corner of the end zone on a play action fake on the one-yard line.

The Redskins' defense forced New York to punt on the ensuing possession to get the ball back. Washington though went four and out and never gained a yard on the drive.

The Giants then ran out the remainder of the clock.

Game Notes

The Giants hold a 84-60-4 advantage in the all-time regular season series with Washington.

Barber surpassed the 1,500-yard mark for the third consecutive season.

Barber's previous best rushing game was 220 yards in December 2005 against Kansas City, which also was a franchise record.

New York was without tight end Jeremy Shockey, who did not travel with the team because of a sprained ankle.Campbell left the game late in the second quarter with a head injury after being hit after a pass attempt, but returned at the start of the third quarter.

Washington went just 2-5 since handing the offensive controls over to Campbell.

© 2006 The Sports Network