EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Tiki Barber has always enjoyed the short trip to Philadelphia.
As soon as the New York Giants' team buses turn off Broad Street, the players always notice the streets lining their entrance to the stadium. They're filled with crazed Eagles fans, preparing for another big game against their rivals.
“It's hard to describe it,” the star running back said of the experience. “The butterflies haven't kicked in. You are just trying to think about what you have to do. You find your locker and start thinking about the matchups you are going to have, and worrying about who is going to hit you the hardest, and how you are going to take advantage of that.”
When it comes to the Eagles, Barber knows exactly what to expect in what could be his final game before his planned retirement. Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jim Johnson isn't going to let Barber beat him.
So when the Giants (8-8) face the Eagles (10-5) in the NFC wild-card game Sunday in Philadelphia, expect Johnson to put at least eight players near the line of scrimmage in an effort to take Barber out of the game. If there aren't eight players in the box, there will be when the blitz comes.
It's the same as daring the Giants and Eli Manning to throw the ball to Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey, if his injured ankle allows him to play.
For the Eagles, anything is better than letting Barber beat them with a performance like the one he delivered this past weekend when he rushed for a team-record 234 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-28 win over Washington.
“Jim Johnson is very aware of our strengths and weaknesses,” Barber said. “They've played us two times a year every year. But we know them intimately as well. It's like a chess match. Just clash all the pieces together and see what happens.”
Coming into this season, Barber had rushed for 100 yards in four straight games against the Eagles. In the two games this season, the Eagles have limited him to 126 yards on 40 carries.
Barber doesn't believe the Eagles have suddenly found his number, or that the Giants need to find a new way to win. Running the ball, controlling the clock and being balanced in the run and pass are the keys to success, and Barber is a big part of that game plan.
“You can't ever say I'm out of this game plan: `Let's see what else will happen,”' Barber said. “When you start doing that you definitely are preparing yourself for failure. I have never, ever taken that approach. I have always told myself I am going to be successful no matter what the circumstances.”
Giants place Webster on injured reserve
Starting cornerback Corey Webster was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list on Tuesday with toe and hip problems.
Webster was reinjured on Saturday in 34-28 win over the Washington Redskins that helped the Giants (8-8) make the playoffs.
Webster suffered a toe injury against Jacksonville on Nov. 20 and missed the next four games. He was active for the last two games.
Webster is the fifth starter to be placed on injured reserve, joining linebacker LaVar Arrington, receiver Amani Toomer, defensive end Michael Strahan and tackle Luke Petitgout.
Kick returner Chad Morton also is on injured reserve.
Rookie R.J. Cobbs, who has been on the practice squad since Dec. 19, was signed to the active roster for the playoff game on Sunday against Philadelphia.
“It's hard to describe it,” the star running back said of the experience. “The butterflies haven't kicked in. You are just trying to think about what you have to do. You find your locker and start thinking about the matchups you are going to have, and worrying about who is going to hit you the hardest, and how you are going to take advantage of that.”
When it comes to the Eagles, Barber knows exactly what to expect in what could be his final game before his planned retirement. Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jim Johnson isn't going to let Barber beat him.
So when the Giants (8-8) face the Eagles (10-5) in the NFC wild-card game Sunday in Philadelphia, expect Johnson to put at least eight players near the line of scrimmage in an effort to take Barber out of the game. If there aren't eight players in the box, there will be when the blitz comes.
It's the same as daring the Giants and Eli Manning to throw the ball to Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey, if his injured ankle allows him to play.
For the Eagles, anything is better than letting Barber beat them with a performance like the one he delivered this past weekend when he rushed for a team-record 234 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-28 win over Washington.
“Jim Johnson is very aware of our strengths and weaknesses,” Barber said. “They've played us two times a year every year. But we know them intimately as well. It's like a chess match. Just clash all the pieces together and see what happens.”
Coming into this season, Barber had rushed for 100 yards in four straight games against the Eagles. In the two games this season, the Eagles have limited him to 126 yards on 40 carries.
Barber doesn't believe the Eagles have suddenly found his number, or that the Giants need to find a new way to win. Running the ball, controlling the clock and being balanced in the run and pass are the keys to success, and Barber is a big part of that game plan.
“You can't ever say I'm out of this game plan: `Let's see what else will happen,”' Barber said. “When you start doing that you definitely are preparing yourself for failure. I have never, ever taken that approach. I have always told myself I am going to be successful no matter what the circumstances.”
Giants place Webster on injured reserve
Starting cornerback Corey Webster was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list on Tuesday with toe and hip problems.
Webster was reinjured on Saturday in 34-28 win over the Washington Redskins that helped the Giants (8-8) make the playoffs.
Webster suffered a toe injury against Jacksonville on Nov. 20 and missed the next four games. He was active for the last two games.
Webster is the fifth starter to be placed on injured reserve, joining linebacker LaVar Arrington, receiver Amani Toomer, defensive end Michael Strahan and tackle Luke Petitgout.
Kick returner Chad Morton also is on injured reserve.
Rookie R.J. Cobbs, who has been on the practice squad since Dec. 19, was signed to the active roster for the playoff game on Sunday against Philadelphia.