Former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber had a problem with fumbling during his illustrious career. Therefore, he has some advice for current Giants running back David Wilson who has had some problems of his own.
“He has to be limit ball exposure BEFORE contact, not try to hold on afterward, as happened in his 2nd fumble,” Barber said through an email to USA TODAY Sports. “You have to have an easy methodology to anticipate contact, cover your 4 points of contact, then go to the ground or keep running.”
Wilson was expected to get much of the playing time at running back due to the Andre Brown’s injury. His first performance as the prime running back was one to be forgotten.
The 22-year old running back had a measly 19 yards on seven carries against the Dallas Cowboys. He also had two fumbles.
Barber said the issue is “mechanical.”
According to USATODAY.com, Wilson’s fumbles were a result of the ball’s location as he was running. He carried it too low, allowing defenders to get to it with relative ease.
The solution—sufficiently use both hands and carry the ball higher.
Barber recalls how he fixed his own problems.
“I did this by holding it high and tight, always," Barber told USA TODAY Sports, “and using my off hand to cover and squeeze my ball hand wrist when I sensed danger.”
The Giants expect a lot out of David Wilson. He has shown flashes of speed and agility that make him a valuable asset. Although “Big Blue” relies heavily on the pass with two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Eli Manning and outstanding wide receivers in Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, they still need a running game and they’re counting on Wilson to help.
