NEW YORK — James Harrison, the best player on the NFL’s best defense, has won The Associated Press 2008 defensive player of the year award.
The Steelers linebacker who had a career-high 16 sacks, setting a team record, and led the NFL with a career-high seven forced fumbles, beat Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters announced Monday. Harrison earned 22 votes to 13 for Ware.
Ravens safety Ed Reed, the 2004 winner, received eight votes. Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth had five and Harrison’s teammate, safety Troy Polamalu, got two.
L.T. facing “tough” injury
SAN DIEGO — Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, hampered by a groin injury, said he isn’t sure if a week of treatment and rest is going to be enough to allow him to play Sunday at Pittsburgh.
“I don’t know. It’s tough,” Tomlinson said. “This is a tough injury. I would probably venture to say it’s probably the toughest of my career. We’ll see what happens.”
The Chargers say Tomlinson has a strained groin, but there have been reports he has a detached tendon. Tomlinson did not clarify.
“I won’t because it is a medical issue and different doctors have their opinions,” he said. “I’ll leave it at that.”
Patriots plan to tag Cassel
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Patriots plan to put the franchise tag on quarterback Matt Cassel, according to the National Football Post.
Franchising Cassel would keep him from becoming an unrestricted free agent and give the Patriots an option if they feel Tom Brady (knee surgery) might not be ready for the start of the 2009 season.
Boldin status uncertain
TEMPE, Ariz. — Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin has a strained left hamstring and his status is uncertain for Saturday night’s game at Carolina.
“We’ll see how it goes this week,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “When you’re dealing with hamstrings you just never know.
“I’ve seen guys that have come back and played a couple of days later, I’ve seen guys who are out three or four weeks.”
Footnotes.
The Jets will interview Cardinals offensive line coach Russ Grimm on Thursday about their coaching vacancy, while Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski also has been invited to interview for the job amid reports the school has reportedly threatened to fire him if he goes through with it.
• Scott Pioli, one of the architects behind New England’s three Super Bowl victories, is talking to Kansas City about its vacant general manager’s job.
• Former Giants coach Jim Fassel, Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Dolphins secondary coach Todd Bowles and Cowboys receivers coach Ray Sherman are among the candidates the Rams could interview for their head coaching vacancy this week.
Denver Post wire services
