TSN's NFL awards

Sporting News, The, Jan 27, 1997

Player of Year BRETT FAVRE

When Brett Favre is asked to describe his development this season, he emphasizes two words: brains and patience.

"I'm smarter because the morel play, the more understand what needs to be done," he says. "Our offense is such that the more you are involved with it, the easier it becomes to play in it. And I'm a lot more patient. Things I would have done even last year I don't do this year or do as frequently. I'll dump off the ball more or throw it away instead of trying to make something happen that can only cause us trouble."

His brains and patience have combined to produce big things for him and the Packers. Green Bay is in the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1967-season, and Favre is THE SPORTING NEWS' Player of the Year, the second consecutive season he has won the award. In a vote by NFL personnel directors, Favre finished with 5 1/2 votes; John Elway was second with 5 1/2.

"It's an honor to win player of the year recognition from THE SPORTING NEWS again this year," Favre says. This award is a little different from some of the others because it is voted on by all those guys who watch film day after day and who see just about every player in the league.

But Favre wouldn't be Favre if he still didn't have moments of flair and creativeness. Both traits stood out against Carolina in the NFC championship game, particularly during one third-quarter sequence. The Panthers flushed Favre from the pocket, and he began scrambling upfield when-linebacker Kevin Greene tackled him. But as Favre was falling, he spotted running hack Dorsey Levens five yards downfield. He unloaded a basketball-like chest pass just before he hit the turf. It was good for an eight-yard gain. Greene looked at Favre and said, "Wow." Favre says he had no idea what happened with his pass until well after the play had concluded.

"Planned it all the way," he says with a tease.

This has been the most satisfying season of his six-year career. in part because of the team's success and his personal accomplishments. He spent part of the offseason in a clinic trying to break a dependence on painkillers. Although he says he never doubted his ability to return to the playing level he displayed in 1995, it was obvious he had to show he could function properly after this tumultuous episode.

His performance dispelled any questions. He finished the regular season with an NFC-record 39 touchdown passes; NFC-high 3,899 passing yards; five four-touchdown games, one short of Dan Marino's league mark; the NFL's second-highest quarterback rating (95.8); and 16 straight starts, which increased his streak to 77, high among quarterbacks. And he did it all despite losing Robert Brooks, the team's top receiver and second-most important offensive player, halfway through the season.

"Brett is always going to be Brett," coach-Mike Holmgren says, "but what you have to like about him is the way he has assumed leadership on this team. Quarterback is the key position for us, and he knows it and doesn't back away from his responsibilities. And his teammates appreciate him for that."

RELATED ARTICLE: 1996 ALL-PRO Team

The Sporting News' Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year and All-Pro teams were determined in balloting by 22 NFL pro personnel directors. The Coach of the Year was determined in voting by NFL coaches. All stories were written by senior writer Paul Attner.

OFFENSE DEFENSE Pos. Player, team Pos. Player, team WR Jerry Rice, 49ers E Bruce Smith, Bills TE Shannon Sharpe, Broncos T Bryant Young, 49ers T Willie Roaf, Saints T John Randle, Vikings G Larry Allen, Cowboys E Alfred Williams, Broncos C Demontti Dawson, Steelers LB Chad Brown, Steelers G Randall McDaniel, Vikings LB Junior Seau, Chargers T Gary Zimmerman, Broncos LB Lamar Lathon, Panthers R Herman Moore, Lions CB Deion Sanders, Cowboys QB Brett Favre, Packers CB Dale Carter, Chiefs RB Barry Sanders, Lions S Leroy Butler, Packers RB Terrell Davis Broncos S Darren Woodson, Cowboys

Specialists PR Desmond Howard, Packers KR Michael Bates, Panthers K Cary Blanchard, Colts P Chris Gardocki, Colts

RELATED ARTICLE: Coach of the Year DOM CAPERS

When Dom Capers interviewed for the Panthers' head coaching job, he brought a detailed plan of how he would conduct his program. His ideas were a culmination of years of thought and preparation in case he ever became a head coach. In his world, nothing is done on whim; each step has meaning, with a goal in mind.

But even Capers, the former Steelers defensive coordinator, couldn't have imagine the meteoric rise of his Panthers, who moved from expansion team to the NFC championship game in two seasons. Supported by a superb front office led by general manager Bill Polian and president Mike McCormack, Capers blended high-priced free agents, rookies and unwanted players off waiver lists into a cohesive bunch that took an eight-game winning streak into its January 12 meeting with the Packers in the NFC title game, which the Panthers lost, 30-13. Carolina also won the NFC West Division title, beat the 49ers twice and defeated Dallas in its first playoff game.