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Giants' Earth, Wind and Fire may have to disband

BY KATIE STRANG | caitlin.strang@newsday.com

10:49 PM EST, January 12, 2009

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - With the Giants' exit from the postseason Sunday, the NFL may have seen Mother Nature exert its full force for the last time.

Although the Giants presumably would like to keep their current running back trio of Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw intact for next season, the feat may be difficult.

Two of the members of "Earth, Wind and Fire" -- a self-anointed nickname that describes their different yet complementary running styles -- can become free agents. Jacobs and Ward each rushed for more than 1,000 yards this season, and both have the power to command big money in free agency, decreasing the likelihood that the Giants can afford to bring both back next season.

"I'm not ready to face that, but the reality and the nature of the business is probably going to keep us apart," Jacobs said during locker clean-out Monday. "I'm emotionally preparing myself for that departure, with me and Derrick.

"We have done a lot for each other and a lot for this football team, and I wish like hell we all can be back here next year, but I have no idea ... I don't think the nature of the business is going to allow that to happen."

Jacobs, who rushed for a career-high 1,089 yards in the regular season, said his wish is to remain with his current team.

"I want to be here as much as anyone else. I hope we get something done, but I don't have any control in that," Jacobs said. "I did all I can do all year long and I hope that's enough to bring me back. If not, there are 31 other teams, but this is where I want to be."

Ward, who was signed to a one-year deal before the season and rushed for a career-high 1,025 yards, also believes he should be compensated for his contributions.

"I think I proved to everyone that I'm a legit starter and I can get the job done," Ward said when asked if he expects tempting offers from other teams. "But who knows? The Giants could offer me big money."

Ward said he would like to return to the team next season and keep the backfield together.

"I'd love to be back here as a New York Giant. This is what I consider home," Ward said. "We're a Super Bowl-caliber team every year. It would be great to come back, but it's a business thing right now."

Business aside, the trio has formed an almost familial bond that would be difficult to dissolve.

"With all three of us, both on and off the field, it was a brotherhood," Bradshaw said. "We got better with each other, we complemented each other and just our attitude toward each other and the game ... I think that helped in many aspects."