SAN DIEGO -- The hardware delivery truck skipped the Chargers on Friday. One day after LaDainian Tomlinson earned the NFL's most valuable player award, Shawne Merriman was bypassed for another prestigious honor.

Merriman, the NFL's sack leader with 17, finished third in the defensive player of the year balloting. Miami defensive end Jason Taylor was selected over Merriman and the second-place finisher, Denver cornerback Champ Bailey.

"I think Jason had a great year, and I think Champ had a great year," Merriman said. "But I think it is evident what I did on the field and for the team."

It's what Merriman did off the field that likely cost him the trophy.

Merriman lost a quarter of the season because he tested positive for steroids. But he still paced the league in sacks, had a team-high 21 quarterback hits and tied for a team-best four forced fumbles.

"I'm sure glad he is on our team," defensive tackle Jamal Williams said.

Merriman, a two-time Pro Bowler, didn't appear downcast about the results.

"I really wasn't expecting too much because I really don't worry about this," Merriman said. "I didn't know it was that big of a deal until it was brought up who was going to be the defensive player of the year. I didn't politick for it."

Many felt as Taylor did. He blasted Merriman last month. Taylor felt a player shouldn't be on the ballot in the same season he was suspended.

But Merriman said he fell short because of being idle for four games, not necessarily the reason for the absence.

"I think it was those four games that I missed," Merrriman said. "Those guys played 16 games; I think that was a part of it.

"I also think Jason had a good all-around year. I looked at his stats and said, 'Damn, he had a pretty good year, and he deserves the award.' "

Taylor contributed 62 tackles, 13 1/2 sacks, two interceptions that he returned for touchdowns, 10 forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Merriman, though, couldn't name a more disruptive defender than himself.

"No, I don't think so," he said. "What I bring to the game, it's nothing you can really vote on. What I can do to help my team doesn't show up in the voting, nor do I care if it shows up.

"All I care about is if we are winning, and that's my attitude and my approach. And as long as I can do that I am happy with that."

Merriman heard that Taylor was pleased with the gift package he sent. After Taylor dissed Merriman's defensive player of the year candidacy, Merriman sent him some "Lights Out" gear and some popcorn.

"It was actually top-notch popcorn," Merriman said.

Jiffy? Merriman wouldn't say. But there's a kernel of truth to Merriman having bigger goals that the annual defensive award.

"I'm not really worried about it," Merriman said. "People make a big deal out of it like this is going to be the last day I'll ever be up for it. But I've got some eligibility left, and I will keep working as hard as I can.

"The most important thing is to help my team keep winning. It's not fun to win an award when you are losing. If (Taylor) gets the award and is losing, he can have it."

Chargers notes

QB Philip Rivers (foot) and DEs Luis Castillo (ankle) and Derreck Robinson (foot) didn't practice, the final day of work before returning on Monday. Rivers did do some light throwing before the workout. "I'll be good to go next week," Rivers said.

Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.

NFL Defensive Player Voting

Voting for the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year as selected by The Associated Press in balloting by by a nationwide panel of the media:

Jason Taylor, Miami;22

Champ Bailey, Denver;16

Shawne Merriman, CHARGERS;6

Brian Urlacher, Chicago;4

Ray Lewis, Baltimore;1

Trevor Pryce, Baltimore;1