Q: I'm sure you've gotten this question a few times since the closing ceremonies at the Super Bowl. Why did Peyton win MVP? Granted, he's a fantastic leader and QB, but it didn't seem to me that he did the most to bring the trophy home. I am a fan of his, more so than any other single player on the team, but I thought the MVP title would have gone to Rhodes.
— Kirk, Las Vegas

A: Good question. I thought Joseph Addai was the MVP until Rhodes replaced him late in the game. Since neither of those running backs emerged as the obvious choice, I think Manning became an easy fallback pick.

It was Manning who directed the offense, as usual, stayed away from mistakes, and was happy to hand off and dump short passes to the backs. He didn't have to have a spectacular game to finally win his Super Bowl, but that in itself may have been his most impressive achievement. He sincerely believes and reiterated afterwards that this was all about team and was never a personal mission. The guy is a true professional as well as a talented performer. I could never disagree with the choice. Sometimes the most important contributions are the ones least noticed.

Q: What assistant coach should be a head coach right now (i.e., will the Cowboys hire that assistant? I really don't want Norv Turner.)
— Barry, Waco, Texas

A: The Cowboys were planning to speak to both Colts' quarterback coach Jim Caldwell and Bears' defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, but Turner still seems like the most likely choice given his experience and the backing of ex-Cowboy quarterback Troy Aikman.

A team with Jason Garrett as offensive coordinator and Rivera as defensive coordinator and Turner as head coach could be effective. Rivera may be willing to make a lateral move and get out from Lovie Smith's shadow and show what he can do for a defense that has an offensive-minded head coach. Other than Rivera and Caldwell, the pool of qualified assistants already has been picked over pretty well.

Q: I am a big Dolphin fan and I am concerned about the quarterback position for next year. Do you think that they will give Dante another opportunity? I still believe that he is a good quarterback. He has proved that in the past. Thanks!
— Phillip Colvard, Huntersville, N.C.

A: They probably have no choice but to give him another chance because Joey Harrington doesn't look like he's going to automatically beat him out. Culpepper has a lot to prove and a lot of time left to prove it. He'll be playing under his third offensive coach in three years after Scott Linehan, Mike Mularkey and now Cam Cameron.

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This is not good for his career development. The problem is the turnover becomes a vicious cycle. If Culpepper doesn't perform, the coaches get blamed.

Q: Will the NFL really change its drug policy? I read something about how they could restrict the Pro Bowl for people who haven't tested positive.
— Gail, Scottsbluff, Neb.

A: It looks like the Pro Bowl will be off limits next season for anyone convicted of violating the drug policy. The hang-up is how such a ban will affect contract bonuses, buyouts and other financial incentives. Since individual contracts are different, it would be impossible for a blanket policy to deal equally with players. Some would face a stiffer financial penalty than others beyond the current four-week suspension without pay.

But most fellow player have little sympathy for cheaters, a fact that both commissioner Roger Goodell and union chief Gene Upshaw can cite as incentive for doing something.

Q: How come the old ball players that are having medical problems cannot get help from the league? Their immolation to the league cannot be overshadowed by the league's greed. A program like the VA should be set up to help these players, in my opinion. What are your thoughts on the subject?
— Beau Alford, Laurel Hill, Fla.

A: They do get some help, just not as much as they want and need. It is a sticky problem because of the emotions involved.

Some players have chosen to take their pensions before others, which reduces the amount. The push by some players to bring all players up to the current pension (some $475 a month per year of service) is financially impossible, not to mention unprecedented in labor pension deals.

I like the idea of a VA, or some sort of temporary relief beyond the current programs covering dire need. The bottom line is there aren't so many former players including Hall of Fame players in dire need for the league not to be able to avoid the embarrassment.