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Washington helps Giants beat his namesake

© Brian Igel

There was a preconceived plan for Damon Washington's first game as an integral member of the New York Giants offense. The second-year running back from Colorado State had received little more than a cameo last season and had earned a place on this year's roster strictly as a special teams performer. But the hamstring injury that kept Tiki Barber out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Redskins gave Ron Dayne the opportunity to assume the bulk of the running duty and Washington a chance to spell him.

So much for preconceived notions. Washington stepped in for Dane, who suffered a sprained neck in the first half, and ran for 90 important yards. Washington found himself thrust into a featured role after logging only one NFL carry (last week against the Saints). He performed admirably and sparked a listless Giants offence to the 23-9 victory.

Although his nerves got the better of him early, as he fumbled away the ball midway through the first half, it didn't cost the Giants nor deter Washington's competitive spirit.

"When I heard Dayne was down", Washington said in his post game interview, "I knew they were going to call my number. I knew I had to be ready to fight."

So did his coach.

"I was a little worried about him putting the ball on the ground, but we really didn't have much choice. He stepped up and gave the whole team a lift," Jim Fassel said after the Giants improved to 3-1 and took over first place in the NFC East. "Everyone likes that young man because of his toughness and his commitment of the way he plays. They were getting behind him, no question. He did a lot for us today."

Washington's effort was needed in a game that resembled so many of a year ago. The Giants were mistake-prone on offense and solid on defense.

Washington nearly scored his first NFL touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter, breaking a 20+ yard run down the near sideline that was halted when he was knocked out of bounds at the 1. Kerry Collins hit tight end Dan Campbell for a 1-yard TD toss shortly after to break a 9-9 deadlock, and Sehorn provided the capper with a 34-yard interception return with three minutes to go.

Sunday, however, was Washington's big moment, and he even looked the part in the locker room, his left shoulder wrapped after precautionary X-rays were taken. X-rays were negative...results, though, were quite positive.

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