Defensive end Michael Strahan, who set an NFL record with 22 1/2 sacks for the New York Giants, was named the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year Wednesday. He won by a seven-vote margin over Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher.

        “Only seven,” Strahan said with a smile that showed off his famous gap-tooth look. “I'm disappointed, but I'll take it.”

        Nothing was disappointing about the defensive end's performance this season.

        Strahan , one of the league's most popular players for his outgoing, entertaining yet humble manner, always has been a fearsome pass rusher. But he was a force against the run this season, too. , and, with linebacker Jessie Armstead and the rest of New York's defense plagued by inconsistency, Strahan was Mr. Reliable. So much so that he was a unanimous choice to the AP All-Pro team last week.

        “I don't try to make every play perfect, I just try to make sure every play counts because you never know which plays are going to count in a game,” Strahan said.

        “I do something extra every day,” Strahan said. “I don't think there is a day that I don't do something extra. That's been the difference for me.”

        The nine-year veteran from Texas Southern punctuated his huge season with had 3 1/2 sacks against Philadelphia in the Giants' next-to-last game. His record-breaking sack came with controversy, when a week later against Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre appeared to hand it to Strahan, a longtime friend.

        Favre denied taking a dive, and others said Strahan's record should not be diminished.

        “No sack is a gimme in the NFL,” said Mark Gastineau, who set the former record in 1984 with the New York Jets.

        Strahan received 27 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who cover the NFL. Urlacher, also an All-Pro, got 20. Last season's choice, Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis, got two votes, and Cleveland linebacker Jamir Miller received the other.

        Lawrence Taylor in 1981, '82 and '86, is the only other Giant to win the honor.

        RAMS:

        Kurt Warner, already suffering from bruised vocal cords, missed a workout because of stomach flu. Warner reported for meetings but became ill, and trainer Jim Anderson drove him home.

        • Rams guard Adam Timmerman made his second Pro Bowl, replacing the injured Larry Allen of Dallas.

        PACKERS:

        Cornerback Tyrone Williams received a cut on his arm in a domestic disturbance at his home in which his wife was arrested, but Williams is expected to play against St.Louis Sunday, the team said.

        Police said Williams' wife, Shantel, was arrested Tuesday night and was jailed for several hours before posting $850 bond, said Sgt. Larry Malcomson of the Brown County Sheriff's Department. A court date was set for Feb.12.

        Police Capt. Bruce Tilkens said Tyrone Williams arrived home before 9p.m. with a male friend and found the tires on his 1978 Chevrolet Malibu slashed and windows broken. When he entered the home he found his clothes cut up or doused with bleach, writing on the walls in lipstick and items broken.

        Shantel Williams used pepper spray on her husband and he pulled her to the floor, Tilkens said. That's when Williams received a gash above his right wrist, requiring several stitches.

        District Attorney Kendall Kelley said his office was reviewing the case. “But I don't anticipate any felony charges,” he said.

        BUCCANEERS:

        Bill Parcells might be on the verge of becoming Tampa Bay's next coach.

        New York Jets assistant general manager and director of pro player personnel Mike Tannenbaum interviewed for the Bucs' general manager position currently held by Rich McKay. Tannenbaum was Parcells' hand-picked choice to negotiate contracts and manage the salary cap when the coach moved from New England to the Jets in 1997.

        The Bucs fired Tony Dungy as coach Monday night and announced Tuesday that they were negotiating with Parcells, who won two Super Bowl with the New York Giants.

        The Bucs had little to say about Tannenbaum's visit, other than to acknowledge through team spokesman Reggie Roberts that the Jets' executive “was in town to discuss a possible role within the organization.”

        COLTS:

        The team scheduled interviews for its coaching vacancy with Dungy and New York Jets defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell, their agents said.

        Indianapolis is replacing Jim Mora, who was 32-34 in four seasons.

        • Colts tight end Ken Dilger was named to the Pro Bowl after Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez and Indianapolis' Marcus Pollard pulled out because of injuries.

        MAXWELL AWARDS:

        St.Louis running back Marshall Faulk won player-of-the-year honors from the Maxwell Football Club.

        Faulk received 350 first-place votes of the 810 cast, club president Ron Jaworski said. The Rams' Warner, the league's MVP, was second with 190 votes, and Pittsburgh quarterback Kordell Stewart had 102 votes.

        This season, Faulk has rushed for 1,382 yards and has 765 yards receiving on 83 catches — best among NFL running backs. He has scored 21 touchdowns.

        Coach-of-the-year honors went to Chicago's Dick Jauron, who received 423 of 810 first-place votes. The Bears finished 13-3 — their most regular-season wins since 1988.

        PATRIOTS:

        Linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who was third on the team with 73 tackles this season, signed a contract extension. Details were not disclosed.

        BEARS:

        Defensive tackle Ted Washington earned his fourth trip to the Pro Bowl, selected in place of Warren Sapp. Washington had 50 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks this season.

        CHARGERS:

        Cornerback Ryan McNeil will be the Pro Bowl replacement for Miami's Sam Madison, who has a shoulder injury. McNeil had eight interceptions this season.
       TEXANS:

        Former Indianapolis tight ends coach Tony Marciano joined Houston as offensive line coach. He spent four seasons with the Colts.

DE Strahan named best on defense Favre, Warner need no buildup

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