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Giants Score Top NFC Seed

Take overtime victory against Panthers, 34-28

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 22, 2008 3:26 AM CST

(Newser) – The New York Giants clinched the top NFC seed for the playoffs as they triumphed over the Carolina Panthers, 34-28, in an overtime nail-biter last night, the New York Times reports. In “the best game of his career,” Derrick Ward ran for 215 yards on 15 carries, with a crucial 82 yards on three overtime carries; Brandon Jacobs scored three touchdowns.

“My teammates looked at me and said they wanted me to get it done,” said Ward. “I looked in every one of my offensive linemen’s eyes and they had my back. We played smashmouth football.” The top seed gives the Giants a first-round bye and a home-field advantage in the playoffs.

New York Giants' Kareem McKenzie (67), David Diehl (66) and Michael Matthews (88) signal touchdown.
New York Giants' Kareem McKenzie (67), David Diehl (66) and Michael Matthews (88) signal touchdown.   (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward, right, is upended by Carolina Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall during the third quarter.
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward, right, is upended by Carolina Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall during the third quarter.   (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) is congratulated by teammate Derrick Ward after scoring during the third quarter.
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) is congratulated by teammate Derrick Ward after scoring during the third quarter.   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs reacts as he comes off the field after scoring a touchdown in overtime to give the Giants a 34-28 win over the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008.
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs reacts as he comes off the field after scoring a touchdown in overtime to give the Giants a 34-28 win over the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008.   (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) walks off the field after the Giants defeated the Carolina Panthers 34-28 in overtime.
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) walks off the field after the Giants defeated the Carolina Panthers 34-28 in overtime.   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
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