Published: Tuesday, January 12, 2010
NFL NOTEBOOK: Packers’ Woodson named defensive Player of the Year
NEW YORK — In his own view, Charles Woodson put together his best pro season in 2009. How appropriate, then, that he is The Associated Press 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The versatile Woodson tied for the league lead with nine interceptions, returning three for touchdowns, and was a key to the Packers’ turnaround on defense. His role in Green Bay’s ranking second in overall defense, first in interceptions (30), takeaways (40) and turnover margin (plus-24) earned Woodson 28 votes Tuesday from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL.
He doubled the number of votes for New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis in becoming the first Green Bay winner since Reggie White in 1998 and just the second Packer in the 36-year history of the award.
Woodson, the 1997 Heisman Trophy recipient, is the first cornerback chosen top defensive player since Deion Sanders in 1994.
Arizona assistant can talk to Bills about job
TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona assistant coach Russ Grimm has been given permission by the Cardinals to talk to the Buffalo Bills about their head coaching job. Grimm said on Tuesday, however, that no interview has been scheduled.
Jags keep Del Rio
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After conducting his most extensive review in 15 years, Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver decided to stick with coach Jack Del Rio. At least for another year. Weaver held a half-day meeting with Del Rio on Tuesday, then said the two would continue their rebuilding project with the Jaguars.
Bengals re-sign Zimmer
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator after two years of improvement under his guidance. The team, which ranked 27th in the 2007 NFL yardage rankings, rose to fourth in Zimmer’s second year as the Bengals won the AFC North Division. The defense gave up 301.4 yards a game and finished sixth in scoring defense at 18.4 points.
No jail for Edwards
CLEVELAND — New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards has been placed on probation after pleading no contest to misdemeanor aggravated disorderly conduct in Cleveland. He was accused of punching a man outside a downtown nightclub.
Gator turning pro early
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Safety Major Wright is the latest Florida player to leave school early and enter the NFL draft. Wright made his announcement Tuesday, becoming the fifth junior to leave the Gators in the last two weeks.
The versatile Woodson tied for the league lead with nine interceptions, returning three for touchdowns, and was a key to the Packers’ turnaround on defense. His role in Green Bay’s ranking second in overall defense, first in interceptions (30), takeaways (40) and turnover margin (plus-24) earned Woodson 28 votes Tuesday from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL.
He doubled the number of votes for New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis in becoming the first Green Bay winner since Reggie White in 1998 and just the second Packer in the 36-year history of the award.
Woodson, the 1997 Heisman Trophy recipient, is the first cornerback chosen top defensive player since Deion Sanders in 1994.
Arizona assistant can talk to Bills about job
TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona assistant coach Russ Grimm has been given permission by the Cardinals to talk to the Buffalo Bills about their head coaching job. Grimm said on Tuesday, however, that no interview has been scheduled.
Jags keep Del Rio
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After conducting his most extensive review in 15 years, Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver decided to stick with coach Jack Del Rio. At least for another year. Weaver held a half-day meeting with Del Rio on Tuesday, then said the two would continue their rebuilding project with the Jaguars.
Bengals re-sign Zimmer
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator after two years of improvement under his guidance. The team, which ranked 27th in the 2007 NFL yardage rankings, rose to fourth in Zimmer’s second year as the Bengals won the AFC North Division. The defense gave up 301.4 yards a game and finished sixth in scoring defense at 18.4 points.
No jail for Edwards
CLEVELAND — New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards has been placed on probation after pleading no contest to misdemeanor aggravated disorderly conduct in Cleveland. He was accused of punching a man outside a downtown nightclub.
Gator turning pro early
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Safety Major Wright is the latest Florida player to leave school early and enter the NFL draft. Wright made his announcement Tuesday, becoming the fifth junior to leave the Gators in the last two weeks.
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