It was yet another exciting week in the NFL with many close games among some of the top teams. The New York Giants narrowly upset the Broncos 24-23 with a last second Eli Manning touchdown pass to receiver Amani Toomer. The Giants underdog victory improves their record to 4-2, good for first place in the NFC East.
In less surprising news, the Indianapolis Colts have improved to 7-0 with their win over the winless Houston Texans. The Colts are the only team in the NFL with more than five wins as they head into their bye week.
Meanwhile, the Patriots had a much needed bye week, giving them time for their many injured players to recuperate. Tedy Bruschi returned to practice after suffering a stroke during the off-season, and is expected to start next week when the Patriots host the Buffalo Bills. Richard Seymour and other injured defensive starters should be ready to return by the end of the week.
The Miami Dolphins fell to the Kansas Chiefs at home, on a special Friday night game. It was rescheduled to avoid the inclement weather that hurricane Wilma threatened. However, running back Ricky Williams was still outdone (by over 90 yards) by the other Dolphins back Ronnie Brown, who averaged almost twelve yards per carry on eight touches.
As week 8 approaches, it holds a few interesting games, like the 4-2 Giants against the divisional rival Washington Redskins. The Denver Broncos host the inconsistent Philadelphia Eagles. Also, the Patriots will play their first division game of the year as they return from their bye week at Gillette against the Bills. Also, the Houston Texans have a chance to post their first victory against the 2-4 Cleveland Browns.
It is a sad week for many in the NFL, as long-time Giants owner Wellington Mara passed away. Mara, whose family has owned the Giants franchise for 80 years, had been involved with the club ever since his days as a ball boy in the 1920s. However, Maras achievements stretch far beyond New York, as he was crucial in the development of the NFL over the last 40 years. Many figureheads of the NFL have come out in praise of Maras contributions to the league, including Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who said that Mara represented the heart and soul of the National Football League.
