By JOANNE KORTH and ROGER MILLS
Published November 20, 2003
TAMPA - Giants running back Tiki Barber has the fumbles this season. Six times he has put the ball on the ground with five resulting in turnovers.
That fact is not lost on the Bucs' leading tacklers.
"I think you're aware that Tiki's had some problems holding on to the ball," safety John Lynch said. "Sure, the second guy in may try to rip the ball. But you turn on the film and see a lot of great plays from him and that stands out a lot more than the fact that he's had some trouble holding on to the ball."
Linebacker Derrick Brooks said he picks up the pace when he knows a back has a tendency to fumble.
"When opportunity presents itself, take advantage of it," Brooks said.
And if it happens Monday night?
"I guess we're going to pick it up and run all the way with it," defensive end Simeon Rice said.
Barber rushed for 111 yards Sunday in a loss to the Eagles, his 13th career 100-yard game. For the season, he has 918 yards and two touchdowns, plus 47 catches for 291 yards and one touchdown.
Cornerback Ronde Barber said his twin brother is working hard to hold on to the ball.
"He's not a guy who shies away from it or makes excuses for it," Ronde said. "He understands the problem. He does what he can to fix it. He doesn't need me to tell him."
Ah, but does he anyway?
"The most critical I've ever been on him was last year in Philadelphia when he dropped it four times and (the Giants) were trying to get to the playoffs," Ronde said. "That's about the only time I really went after him about it. Other than that, he deals with it himself."
IN THE MIX: Safety Jermaine Phillips, who fractured his right forearm Nov. 2 against the Saints, returned to practice Wednesday and is expected to play against the Giants.
"Right now I'm counting him as in and we're preparing to get him ready to play," defensive backs coach Mike Tomlin said. "It's too early to tell with the nature of that injury, but we're working him in, getting him ready to play, and we'll evaluate that at the end of the week."
Phillips started two games when Lynch was out with nerve damage in his shoulder and performed well, intercepting a pass in a 16-0 victory against the Cowboys.
Gruden said Lynch and Dwight Smith will remain the starters, and that Phillips will be used "creatively."
Linebacker Ryan Nece, who was out of the lineup with a sprained right ankle, also returned to practice and should play, though Dwayne Rudd continued to work with the first team.
ELBOW ROOM: Defensive end Greg Spires' locker is between receivers Keenan McCardell and Keyshawn Johnson. Though Johnson's locker remained full Wednesday, Spires was eying the real estate.
"Keenan's got a lot of things (in his locker). Maybe I can move some of my stuff over there," Spires said, pointing to Johnson's locker. "I think it will work out."
INJURY REPORT: The Bucs' official injury report is the shortest it has been in weeks - four players. Linebacker Nate Webster (turf toe) is questionable. McCardell (right hamstring strain), Nece and Phillips are probable.
