The NFL released their Players of the Month winners early today, headlined by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa taking home the offensive award in the AFC. San Francisco 49ers star back Christian McCaffrey earned the honors in the NFC. A pair of pass rushers won the DPOTM awards, while a kicker and punter were the honorees for special teams. The rookies also are headlined for the monthly awards, with C.J. Stroud clearing the field on the offensive side.
NFL Players of the Month for September:
AFC:
O: Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa
D: Steelers OLB TJ Watt
ST: Bills K Tyler BassNFC:
O: 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey
D: Cowboys OLB Micah Parsons
ST: Bucs P Jake CamardaRookies of the Month:
O: Texans QB CJ Stroud
D: Patriots CB…— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 28, 2023
Offensive Players of the Month: Tua and CMC take home POTM honors in September
Tua Tagovailoa has had a monster start to the 2023 NFL season. The Alabama product has thrown for 1,024 yards and eight scores, trailing just Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins in those categories. More importantly, he has thrown just two interceptions while leading his squad to a perfect 3-0 start. Tagovailoa shined in his most recent outing, going 23-for-26 for 309 yards and four scores in the Dolphins’ 70-20 win over the Denver Broncos. The Dolphins’ 70 points were the most by an NFL team in a game since 1966.
The NFC’s recipient of Offensive Player of the Month for September is the 49ers, Christian McCaffrey. The star running back has tallied an NFL-best 353 rushing yards in three games. The former first-round pick has scored three times while adding 11 receptions for 70 yards through the air. McCaffrey continues to shine for San Francisco since arriving via trade last season.
Defensive Players of the Month: Watt and Parsons use pass rush to dominate the season’s first three weeks
Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt is the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Month Award winner. Watt leads the entire NFL in sacks with six while forcing two fumbles and scoring a touchdown. The Steelers offense has struggled to start the season, but Watt and company has led Pittsburgh to a 2-1 start.
Micah Parsons is opposite Watt for the NFC Defensive Player of the Month. Though his team’s first three games, the jack-of-all-trades defender has 12 tackles, four sacks, and a fumble recovery. Parson spearheads a Dallas defense that allows the third-fewest points per game.
Special Teams Players of the Month: Bass and Camarda use their legs to edge the competition
Tyler Bass of the Buffalo Bills takes home the AFC’s Special Teams Player of the Month Award. Bass has been perfect to start the season, nailing all seven field goal attempts, including two from over 50 yards. He has also poked all ten of his extra-point attempts through the uprights. The Bills are among the best offenses in the NFL, but they also have one of the better kickers if they stall out in opposing territory.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers punter Jake Camarda receives the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month Award for September. He leads the league in yards per punt (54.9) with a long of 74 yards. Camarda has been invaluable for the Buccaneers this season, especially regarding field position.
Rookies of the Month
Houston Texans gunslinger C.J. Stroud is the first to take home this honor in 2023. The Ohio State product has impressed to start his career, throwing for 906 yards, four scores, and no interceptions on a 65% completion percentage. Not only did the Texans beat division rival Jacksonville last weekend, but Stroud has thrown 121 passes without registering an interception to start his career.
Christian Gonzalez was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month in September. He has excelled in coverage this season while going against some of the best receivers in football. He has recorded three pass breakups, a sack, and a pick to start his NFL career.