Faulk edges Warner for offensive MVP title

The contributions of Marshall Faulk and Kurt Warner to the St. Louis Rams' overpowering offense are barely distinguishable. Appropriately, Faulk edged Warner by just one vote Thursday for The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player award.

Faulk won the honor for the third straight year with a typically spectacular season: rushing for 1,382 yards, gaining 765 yards receiving on 83 catches -- best among NFL running backs -- scoring 21 touchdowns and going over 2,000 yards from scrimmage (2,147) for the fourth consecutive season, an NFL record.

Those numbers and his versatility and leadership for the Rams earned Faulk 23 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. Warner was just behind with 22.

Last week, Warner beat Faulk for the Most Valuable Player award.

Tucker misses practice again

Rams offensive tackle Ryan Tucker rested a sprained ankle for the third straight day Thursday, but remained hopeful of playing in Sunday's playoff game.

Tucker was injured in the regular-season finale Jan. 6 against the Falcons. Backup Rod Jones has been playing in Tucker's place, but Tucker said he'll practice today.

Parcells may not coach

Bill Parcells is still contemplating whether he wants to return to coaching in the NFL.

"Right now, I'm trying to kind of weigh all the issues involved with making a commitment that I know is necessary to go back to coaching in the NFL," Parcells, 60, said on his weekly radio show.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are negotiating with the two-time Super Bowl winner to replace Tony Dungy. The former Giants, Patriots and Jets coach said on Sporting News Radio that reports of a done deal are not true.

Kelly, Modell among finalists

Quarterback Jim Kelly, coach Bill Parcells and team owner Art Modell are among 15 finalists announced for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Other finalists include coach George Allen, linebacker Harry Carson, tight end Dave Casper, defensive end L.C. Greenwood, punter Ray Guy, defensive lineman Dan Hampton, defensive backs Lester Hayes and Donnie Shell, offensive lineman Bob Kuechenberg, and wide receivers Art Monk, James Lofton and John Stallworth.

The class of 2002 will be announced Feb. 2, the day before the Super Bowl, after a vote of the hall's board of selectors.

Cowboys want Cards' pitcher

The Dallas Cowboys have offered a long-term contract to St. Louis Cardinals pitcher and former Stanford quarterback Chad Hutchinson, according to The Dallas Morning News.

Sources told the newspaper in Thursday's editions that the seven-year deal is believed to include a signing bonus of about $2 million.

Hutchinson threw for more than 2,000 yards in each of this two seasons at Stanford.

He pitched in three games for the Cardinals last season, compiling a 24.75 ERA.

-- From wire reports