NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Bruschi recorded six tackles as a back-up linebacker in the Pats' 21-16 win over Buffalo. It was his first game action in nearly 9½ months because of a stroke in February and subsequent heart surgery.
He was joined in the AFC honors by Denver quarterback Jake Plummer (offense) and kick returner Jerome Mathis of Houston (special teams). Plummer passed for 309 yards and four touchdowns against Philadelphia and Mathis had a 35.4-yard average on five kickoff returns against Cleveland.
Earning NFC honors were running back Tiki Barber of the New York Giants (offense), cornerback Charles Tillman of the Chicago Bears (defense) and San Francisco 49ers placekicker Joe Nedney (special teams).
Barber ran for 206 yards and one touchdown in the Giants' 36-0 win over Washington and Nedney booted five field goals against Tampa Bay. Tillman had a game-winning interception return for a touchdown against Detroit in overtime.
