NFL notebook: 49ers’ Willis honored
One NFL scout called linebacker Patrick Willis “a beast.” An NFL coach said Willis is “a rolling ball of butcher knives.”
That was before Willis won the Associated Press 2007 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Willis’ dominant performance could have been overlooked because his San Francisco 49ers went 5-11 in a mediocre division. Instead, his league-leading 174 tackles and presence all over the field made him a runaway winner and the fifth straight linebacker to take the honor.
Willis earned 48 votes Friday from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. Only Carolina linebacker Jon Beason, with two, also received votes.
Willis was the 11th overall draft pick from Mississippi.
Young decision put off
Tennessee quarterback Vince Young took part in most of practice, but will be a game-time decision for the Titans’ playoff game Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.
Coach Jeff Fisher said Young was better but did not go full speed with his sore right quadriceps.
Losman wants out
Bills quarterback J.P. Losman wants out of Buffalo, unhappy with how he lost his starting job to rookie Trent Edwards this past season.
Losman’s agent, Gary Wichard, told the Associated Press that his client would prefer to be traded, but added Losman would play out the final year of his contract if necessary.
Titans want case dropped
The Tennessee Titans want a Nevada judge to quash a lawsuit seeking damages for a strip club employee paralyzed in a triple shooting that followed a fracas involving suspended NFL player Adam “Pacman” Jones.
A judge is due Wednesday to hear arguments by an attorney for the team who contends the Titans had nothing to do with Jones going to the Minxx Gentleman’s Club last Feb. 19.
Jones would not have been invited to the club for a party the weekend of the NBA All-Star game if he was not on the team, an attorney for the plaintiff argued in a Dec. 27 court filing.
Raiders will retain Ryan
Rob Ryan apparently will keep his job as the Oakland Raiders’ defensive coordinator despite recent reports that he would be fired following a disappointing season.
Team spokesman Mike Taylor said that Ryan would return for a fifth season with the team.
Patriots’ Wilfork fined
New England Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork was fined $15,000 by the NFL for poking a finger inside the face mask of New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs last weekend as players from both teams jostled after the whistle.
Falcons extend McKay
Rich McKay signed a two-year contract extension to remain the Atlanta Falcons’ president, but he will relinquish the general manager’s duties.
Since he left Tampa Bay and joined the Falcons in December 2003, McKay has held dual titles as president-GM.