10 Greatest Moments This NFL Season

Welcome to the NFL Rookie

Saints rookie Reggie Bush was a little disappointing for most of the season, but in Week 13, the No. 2 overall pick showed he could do in the pros what he had routinely done in college. Bush had four thrilling TDs in a 34-10 romp over the Niners. He carried the ball just 10 times for 37 yards, but three of those rushes ended up in the end zone. The former Heisman Trophy-winner also caught nine passes for 131 yards in the win.

Bryant's 62-Yard FG

Entering the Week 7 game against the Eagles, Matt Bryant was 0-for-3 from beyond 40 yards. But the Bucs' veteran kicker was able to nail a 62-yarder in the final seconds to give Tampa Bay a 23-21 victory. Bryant's boot was one of the few bright spots in the Bucs' disastrous season.

Romo-Mania

He slumped at the end of the season, but for a time, Tony Romo was the hottest name in the NFL. The apex of Romo-Mania came on Thanksgiving Day, when the fourth-year veteran out of Eastern Illinois threw five TDs in a 38-10 rout of Tampa Bay. After Romo took over for Drew Bledsoe as the Cowboys' starter, he won five of his first six games.

Hester Burns Giants

The Bears' rookie changed games all season with his incredible return skills, but his ultimate highlight came in Week 10. Giants kicker Jay Feely attempted a 52-yard field goal in the fourth quarter and it came up short. Hester simply stood in the end zone for a few seconds after he caught the ball. The Giants were fooled into believing the play was over, and as they started to leave the field, Hester zipped down the sideline for a 108-yard TD -- tying the NFL record for longest return. The score sparked a 38-20 come-from-behind win for Chicago. Hester had six TD returns on the season, another NFL record.

Hometown Hero Returns

Many Texans fans were in Vince Young's corner when the Houston native returned for the first time as a pro. The former University of Texas star and Houston high school phenom ran for a 29-yard TD in overtime to give Tennessee a 26-20 win. Texans fans were angry that their team passed on Young with the No. 1 overall pick, and the rookie quarterback's electrifying game-winner simply poured salt on the wound.

Tiki is terrific

Tiki Barber ran for 234 yards and three touchdowns in a must-win situation for the Giants in Week 17. Barber's clutch running helped New York beat Washington 34-28 and earn a wild-card playoff spot. The long-time Giants running back announced earlier he would retire after the season, and if New York had lost to the Skins, that would have been it.

Monday Night Madness

The Bears were down 20-0 to the Cardinals at halftime and seemed beaten. Arizona's defense had totally figured out Chicago's offense and the Cards' rookie quarterback Matt Leinart looked great. But chaos ensued in the second half, and the Bears ended up on top. Both Mike Brown and Charles Tillman (pictured) returned fumbles for TDs, and rookie Devin Hester returned a punt for an 83-yard score. The Bears remained undefeated, but their notions of a perfect season were dashed by a loss to the Dolphins in Week 9.

Young's Houdini Act

Bringing back memories of his national title win last January, Vince Young led the Titans from a 21-point second-half deficit to a 24-21 victory in Week 12. The signature play of the game took place on a fourth-and-10 in the fourth quarter when the Giants' Mathias Kiwanuka had Young wrapped up, but surprisingly let him go, allowing the Titans' QB to scramble for the first down. Young ran for a TD and threw for two more in the final quarter to seal the improbable triumph.

LT Sets Touchdown Record

Humble Chargers superstar LaDainian Tomlinson immediately included the entire offensive unit in his celebration after running in his record 29th touchdown of the season -- during a Week 14 game against the Broncos. It's been a dream season for Tomlinson and San Diego's offense. LT ended up with 1,815 rushing yards and 32TDs.

Saints Come Marching Back

Amid a Mardi Gras-like atmosphere, the Saints beat the Falcons, 23-3, in Week 3, in their first game at the Superdome since Hurricane Katrina. U2 and Green Day kicked it off with a pregame concert, then New Orleans scored on a blocked punt just 90 seconds into the game. As the Saints' defense smothered the Falcons, new quarterback Drew Brees was deadly accurate and efficient in the win.