New York Giants legend Tiki Barber is showing faith in his former team despite their rough start to the season. In a candid interview, Barber addressed the Giants’ heartbreaking 21-18 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 2, explaining that the defeat wasn’t a result of any unfixable issues but rather an unfortunate injury to kicker Graham Gano.
“The Giants lost their kicker on the first play due to an existing groin injury,” Barber explained. “That forced them to go for two points the entire game, missing out on crucial extra points despite scoring three touchdowns. It was a frustrating loss, but not something they can’t solve.”
While the former Pro Bowl running back has high hopes, he did acknowledge concerns, particularly with the team’s new offensive line and secondary. With a crucial Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, Barber sees it as a “must-win” to avoid a dreaded 0-3 start, especially with the Dallas Cowboys looming in Week 4.
“I trust the coaching staff, but the Browns game is huge. They need to win this one. Giants fans should brace for a big weekend,” Barber urged.
Barber’s secret weapon
Beyond the field, Barber is thriving in the world of fantasy football. He’s teamed up with IBM’s AI-powered tools in his ESPN league, which he says gives him a competitive edge by analyzing data and optimizing his roster.
“The AI helps sift through all the stats, articles, and data so your fantasy team is perfectly set up to compete. It’s not just about gut feelings anymore,” Barber shared. He noted how the tool breaks down player performances in detail, like analyzing Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, who saw 18 of Daniel Jones’ 28 pass attempts in Week 2.
Barber, known for his remarkable 2,390-yard season in 2005, emphasized that running backs are making a comeback infantasy leagues. “If you’re picking high in the draft, you’ve got to go with a running back. They’re starting to get more touches again, and the passing stats are dropping,” Barber said.
With his confidence in the Giants’ future and a secret weapon in fantasy football, Barber remains a prominent voice in both the NFL and fantasy world. Fans will be watching closely as the Giants face a pivotal moment in their season!
