AP: Cowher, Roethlisberger Honored by Sporting News

Posted on Wed, Feb. 02, 2005

Manning, Cowher, Roethlisberger honored by Sporting News
Associated Press

ST. LOUIS - Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning, who threw a record 49 touchdown passes this season, has been named NFL player of the year for the second straight season by the Sporting News.

The St. Louis-based publication also Tuesday named Pittsburgh's Bill Cowher coach of the year and Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger rookie of the year.

Details will be released in the Feb. 11 issues, on newsstands Thursday.

Manning, 28, broke Dan Marino's single-season touchdown pass record, long considered one of the NFL's most cherished records. His passer rating of 121.1 also broke a record held by San Francisco's Steve Young.

"Peyton Manning turned in the most remarkable season we have ever seen in the history of the NFL," Sporting News editor John Rawlings said.

Cowher, 47, led the Steelers to a 15-1 regular-season record and an appearance in the AFC championship game, where they lost to New England.

Roethlisberger, 23, was 14-0 as a starter during the regular season and had a passer rating of 98.1.

NFL pro scouting directors voted on player and rookie of the year; league coaches selected the coach of the year.

The scouting directors also selected the Sporting News all-pro team:

OFFENSE: Wide receivers Terrell Owens of Philadelphia and Marvin Harrison of Indianapolis; tight end Antonio Gates of San Diego; tackles Walter Jones of Seattle and Orlando Pace of St. Louis; center Jeff Hartings of Pittsburgh; guards Alan Faneca of Pittsburgh and Brian Walters of Kansas City; quarterback Manning; and running backs Edgerrin James of Indianapolis and Curtis Martin of the New York Jets.

DEFENSE: Ends Dwight Freeney of Indianapolis and Julius Peppers of Carolina; tackles Richard Seymour of New England and Kevin Williams of Minnesota; linebackers James Farrior of Pittsburgh, Ray Lewis of Baltimore and Takeo Spikes of Buffalo; cornerbacks Champ Bailey of Denver and Chris McAlister of Baltimore; and safeties Brian Dawkins of Philadelphia and Ed Reed of Baltimore.

SPECIALISTS: Kicker Adam Vinatieri of New England; kick returner Terrence McGee of Buffalo; punter Shane Lechler of Oakland; and punt returner Eddie Drummond of Detroit.