Colston Weatherington is the Desperados' all-time sack leader with 37.

IRVING, Texas - TWhile the season might have ended sooner than expected, the Desperados aren't exactly finished in reaping the benefits from another stellar regular season.

For the second time in three seasons, pass-rushing specialist Colston Weatherington was named the AFL's Lineman of the Year on Wednesday after recording a league-leading 10 ½ sacks.

Weatherington, who also ranked second in the league with 11 tackles for loss, anchored a Desperados defense that was considered one of the AFL's top units this past season.

While Dallas marched to a 12-4 regular season, the Desperados once again stumbled in the playoffs, losing to New York last week 77-63 in the wild-card round.

In an interview with ESPNEWS on Wednesday, Weatherington was asked to describe the feeling of yet another home playoff loss, the Desperados' third in three years.

"I guess we can wrap that up all into one: shock, disappointment, anger all because we're not in (the playoffs) right now," said Weatherington, who added he's not sure what the Desperados' playoff woes have been. "I wish I knew. If I had that answer we'd still be in it right now. It's unfortunate that we had such a good regular season as it results to nothing now."

Except for personal awards, which Weatherington is no stranger to. The veteran lineman, who was actually drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2001 and spent two years with the club, said the latest award is special, despite the playoff exit.

"That really makes me feel good, and I'm real excited to win the award," Weatherington said. "I'm blessed and I appreciate it, but all I do is do my job. As a personal goal, it's a great accomplishment. But I would rather melt that down so me and my guys could have some rings for the real ring and the real trophy: a championship. I appreciate the single accomplishments that I did achieve, but I'd rather have my teammates share it with me."

Weatherington not only set a career high in sacks this season, but his 10 ½ tied Tom Briggs for the Desperados' single-season record. Weatherington was the only Desperados player on the All-Arena first-team. He is the club's all-time sack leader with 37 sacks.