Giants' Jacobs suddenly at peace with backup role

BUTLER, N.J. - Not too long ago, Brandon Jacobs' Giants career appeared to be on life support.

Ahmad Bradshaw had supplanted him as the feature back. Then, after a Week 2 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in which he rushed four times for 8 yards, Jacobs publicly lashed out at the organization. There was also a report that Jacobs had asked to be traded, which Jacobs later denied.

He also tossed his helmet into the stands during the game against the Colts, which got him a $10,000 fine from the NFL.

Things are different now. The Giants (6-2) have won five straight and Jacobs, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, has accepted his understudy role.

"All I needed was my explanation, and I got that," Jacobs said Tuesday morning after participating in an "NFL Play 60" program at the Aaron Decker School here. "It wasn't about starting. It was never about that. It was about them doing it and not giving me a heads up. I got my explanation. They felt I was better coming off the bench."

Jacobs admits he needed time to adjust to his backup status.

"It has been a humbling experience," Jacobs said. "I had to leave my ego at the front door and realize what the situation was. I saw that I still had many opportunities to get in there and run the ball and do different things to help the team."

Jacobs, now in his sixth season, has turned to embracing his role as mentor to Bradshaw, who is third in the NFL in rushing. Jacobs is relishing Bradshaw's emergence as a feature back.

"It's where you love another person enough to where you want to see him succeed," Jacobs said. "I love the kid like a brother, and he's doing everything that I would want him to do. He is near the top of the league in rushing and doing well."

As Jacobs continues to play the part of good soldier, his once-tenuous status seems more secure.