There were few who still believed in Sam Darnold. Well they took it because here is the former Jets named for the first time in his career NFC offensive player of the month. Brilliant during the first four games of the season, Darnold is far from being a stranger to the Vikings' hot start.
The NFC North continues to be well represented. Aidan Hutchison, leader in the sacks category, is in the spotlight and it's also a first for him. For special teams, we find, unsurprisingly, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey. For his second NFL season, the former Notre Dame player is democratizing kicks over 60 yards. The punters hate him.
If we had a breath of fresh air in the NFC, we find veterans in the AFC. For the third time in his career, Josh Allen is the AFC Offensive Player of the Month. He had not obtained this reward since December 2020. On defense, Kyle Van Noy is rewarded for his 6 sacks in 4 games. At 33, the former Patriot has never looked younger. For special teams, Chris Boswell won this award for the second time. The Steelers kicker was previously named in this category in 2015.
Jayden Daniels is unsurprisingly the offensive rookie of the month for September. The young Washington quarterback has shown himself to be very precise and he is already following in the footsteps of the greatest. On defense, Jared Verse was very active with the Rams and was named defensive rookie of the month.
NFC Conference
– Offensive: Sam Darnold (QB, Vikings): 73/106 (68.9) for 932 yards, 11 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
– Defensive: Aidan Hutchinson (DE, Lions): 16 tackles including 6 for losses, 6.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
– Special teams: Brandon Aubrey (K, Cowboys): 12/13 on field goals including six over 50 and two over 60 yards.
AFC Conference
– Offensive: Josh Allen (QB, Bills): 70/101 (69.3%) for 814 yards and 7 touchdowns; 22 carries for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns.
– Defensive: Kyle Van Noy (LB, Ravens): 8 tackles including 7 for losses, 6 sacks and a forced fumble.
– Special teams: Chris Boswell (K, Steelers): 11/12 on field goals including 5 over 50 yards.
Rookies of the month
– Offensive: Jayden Daniels (QB, Commanders): 87/106 (82.1%) for 897 yards, 3 touchdowns and an interception; 46 carries for 218 yards and 4 touchdowns.
– Defensive: Jared Verse (LB, Rams): 19 tackles including 5 for losses, a sack and a forced fumble.
