31.  Defensive linemen Marvin Washington and Erik Howard each were hit with $12,000 fines for their actions last Sunday against the Rams.

32.  Defensive measures are also part of the answer.

33.  Defensive midfielders Chad Deering and Brian Maisonneuve, both capable playmakers as well, provide a foundation for the whole thing to work.

34.  Defensive pessimists, the researchers found, did well in the game when they prepared using imagery that mimicked their preferred coping style.

35.  Defensive Player of the Year Phoenix forward Clifford Robinson should get consideration for this award.

36.  Defensive Player of the Year: Alonzo Mourning, Heat.

37.  Defensive Player of the Year: Alonzo Mourning, Miami.

38.  Defensive Player of the Year: If Robinson is dethroned as MVP, let him have this one, for his ability to be everywhere at once.

39.  DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Someone has suggested we change this to Offensive Player of the Year given the dearth of scoring.

40.  Defensive Player of the Year: Take your pick between Dikembe Mutombo and Alonzo Mourning.