MVP: Carnell Lake, Steelers defensive back. He's a symbolic
pick, for shuttling between strong safety and cornerback on a
defense firestormed by free agency. In the eight games that Lake
played at corner, opposing wideouts caught no touchdown passes.
Coach of the Year: Bill Parcells, Jets. We bow to the Chiefs'
Marty Schottenheimer for producing the AFC's best team, with 12
new starters in his lineup, the Bucs' Tony Dungy for remaking a
sad-sack outfit, the Giants' Jim Fassel for being an Einstein
and the Niners' Steve Mariucci for piloting an old team to 13-3.
But Parcells blew away the black cloud that has been hanging
over the franchise since the early '90s and made the Jets a
playoff threat overnight.
Executive of the Year: Tom Donahoe, Steelers. Every season
Pittsburgh serves as the NFL's Free Agency Superfund. Chad
Brown, Rod Woodson, Willie Williams and Andre Hastings were
among the players to leave for greener pastures after the '96
season, but the Steelers reached double digits in wins for the
fifth time in six years because Donahoe and his staff are the
best evaluators of college and pro talent in the business.
Inspiration of the Year: Darrell Green, Redskins. Faster at 37
than he was at 25, Green was selected for the Pro Bowl. His goal
is to make it again at 40. Don't bet against him. New running
mate Cris Dishman says his biggest regret in football is not
having had the chance to be teamed with Green sooner, so more of
Green's love of the game could have rubbed off on him.
Coordinators of the Year: Mike Shula, Buccaneers (offense);
Gunther Cunningham, Chiefs (defense).
Rookies of the Year: Bucs running back Warrick Dunn (offense);
Dolphins linebacker Derrick Rodgers (defense); Cowboys kicker
Richie Cunningham (special teams).
Issue date: December 29, 1997
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