Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson’s performance in last Sunday’s thriller against the Cowboys helped him nab the NFC defensive player of the month award and the work done by one member of the Cowboys in a losing effort helped him earn monthly honors as well.
Linebacker Sean Lee has been named the NFC defensive player of the month for October on the heels of a two-interception performance in the loss to Detroit. Lee had another interception in a win over the Eagles, part of a performance that got him a defensive player of the week award as well, and picked up 47 tackles over the four games.
Lee’s play in October has been a reminder of why the Cowboys gave him a contract extension in the offseason and why he’s become a (perhaps, the only one thus far) foundational piece of their defense. He’s handled the transition to Monte Kiffin’s scheme flawlessly and is the increasingly rare three-down linebacker who is just as strong against the run as he is against the pass.
It’s the second time that Lee has been named defensive player of the month. The first came in September 2011 and there may be more in the future if he continues to make plays on every corner of the field.