Giants Ground Game Thrives

The Giants' 245 yards rushing were the most allowed by the Packers since 1983. New York's performance shows how well its beleaguered line has come together--and how sorely underrated Tiki Barber is. He carried 23 times for 182 yards and a touchdown against a unit that entered the game as one of top dozen run defenses in the league.... Playing in his 200th career game on Sunday, the Steelers' Chris Gardocki booted his 1,000th punt. He has never had one blocked.... Just days after rookie first-round draft pick Philip Rivers was promoted to the backup job, Chargers quarterback Drew Brees completed 16 of 20 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns in a 38--17 rout of the Titans. Brees, 25, won't hold off Rivers for long, but if he continues to play well, he should make good money as a free agent in the off-season.