At the podium stood Mike Shanahan, who has a $35 million, five-year contract that gives him final authority over football decisions as head coach and executive vice president of the Washington Redskins.

Seated at a nearby table was Bruce Allen, the first general manager Dan Snyder has hired in 11 years of owning the team.

"Dan Snyder has directed us to please get this team back to the levels where it's been in the past," Allen said. "And I believe he's going to be our most supportive fan."

Shanahan made his formal debut yesterday, one day after signing his contract and just two days after Jim Zorn was fired following a 4-12 season.

"I can't tell you how long it's going to take. But I can guarantee you: We'll get better every day and hopefully it won't take long to get back to where this organization has been," Shanahan said.

Percy Harvin's unique combination of speed, intelligence and toughness made the transition from college to the pros startlingly smooth for the runaway winner of The Associated Press 2009 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Harvin received 41 votes from the nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league.

Tom Brady has gone from record-setting MVP to injured superstar to The Associated Press 2009 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Brady's strong return from a left knee injury that sidelined him for all but the first quarter of the 2008 opener earned the Patriots quarterback the award yesterday.

Also, Wes Welker's season officially ended when the Patriots placed the NFL's leading receiver on injured reserve.

Pro Bowler Josh Cribbs feels insulted by Cleveland's latest contract offer and intends to clean out his locker. "I'm not threatening anything," agent Peter Schaffer said. "Josh is either going to be treated fairly or he wants out." Schaffer said that he is "extremely shocked" that new president Mike Holmgren would not understand Cribbs' value to the Browns.

Co-owner John Mara demanded change after a disappointing season and coach Tom Coughlin is delivering, starting with his coaching staff. Coughlin fired defensive line coach Mike Waufle, three days after the season ended.

Rex Ryan thinks his team should not only be favored to beat the Bengals, but to win the Super Bowl. Ryan was asked what his reaction was to being the team with the longest odds -- currently at 50-1 -- to win the championship. "I think we have the best defense, I know we do," Ryan said. "I know we have the best rushing attack. Those are two huge factors in our favor."

The NFL has adjusted instant replay rules to allow reviews of time remaining for the last play of each half or an overtime period in the playoffs.

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