More HB

-On the first day of practice up in Albany, Giants running back Tiki Barber was thinking about not just life on the football field but life afterwards. Unfortunately for Big Blue supporters, that might come a lot sooner than some think. Coming off his best season in which his 1,860 rushing yards ranked second to Seattle's Shaun Alexander, the 31 year-old admitted that a few opportunities off the field existed but rejected them because he feels this team can reach the Super Bowl. Here's what Barber had to say:

"I honestly feel we can compete for a Super Bowl this season. I am telling everyone on our team and you guys if you want to listen, that we can get there. That we should be able to get there as long as we stay healthy, as long as we all believe that."

Of course, he's right when it comes to their potential. With a third-year quarterback in Eli Manning along with a talented offense which also includes Jeremy Shockey, Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and rookie Sinorice Moss, they should put up plenty of points. The defense will once again be led by Michael Strahan and budding star Osi Umenyiora. Ex-Skin LaVar Arrington has been added to a linebacking corps which includes Antonio Pierce and Carlos Emmons. They're hoping 35 year-old vet Sam Madison can provide a lift in coverage along with second-year cornerback Corey Webster.

There's no question that the Giants have a chance to be very good. But nothing will come easy. They start the season in the way overhyped "Manning Bowl" against the Colts before visiting Philadelphia and NFC champion Seattle. After a bye week, there are no cupcakes in the next four when they host Washington before traveling to Atlanta and Dallas- then returning home for Tampa Bay. That doesn't even include the Bears, Jaguars and Panthers who are all on the schedule. Combined with what should be an ultracompetitive NFC East, it promises to be a difficult road for Big Blue.

Regarding his bright future which could range from a TV/writing career to future endeavors, the Giants' all-time leading rusher goes on to explain why he might not finish his contract which runs out in 2008:

"I have a lot in my life already mapped out. I know that some inside and outside of this organization probably aren't happy with what I have been doing. It's my dream and my passion, just as football is...What I do in my offseason is my business even though it is in the public eye. I'm excited for new challenges in my life and we'll see what happens with this season, and possibly next."

As usual, the former Virgina product nails the situation perfectly. You can bet that Giants brass doesn't want to hear this "retirement talk." Especially at the beginning of camp in what's an extremely important year for the franchise. Despite Tiki's brutal honesty, you can bet that he won't let it affect his play on the gridiron. He's too much of a professional. One never has to worry about the well spoken 10-year pro not bringing it every down. On the field, he should be the least of the Giants' worries.