Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for December today. It is the fourth time in Watt's career and second time this season (September) he has won the award. Watt helped Houston go 3-1 in December and finish the season 9-7.
Watt finished the month with 22 tackles, 9.0 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, two passes defensed, one safety and 14 quarterback hits. It was tied for the most sacks in the month of December since 1982. Watt also led all defensive linemen in tackles and led the NFL in quarterback hits in the month.
Watt had two or more sacks in all six division games this season, including eight sacks in three games against Indianapolis and Jacksonville in December. Since the NFL moved to a six-game division
schedule in 2002, Watt's 14 sacks ranks first all-time against division foes.
Watt led the league with 50 quarterback hits, 22 more than the second-ranked player, and 29 tackles for loss, six more than the second-ranked player, and five fumbles recovered. He also ranks second in sacks (20.5), tied for second in defensive touchdowns (two) and tied for third in forced fumbles (four).
Watt had three receiving touchdowns and is the first defensive lineman since Chicago Bears DE Connie Mack Berry in 1944 to have at least five touchdowns in a season. Watt is also the first player since Chicago Bears DB J.C. Caroline in 1956 to score multiple touchdowns on offense and defense in the same season.
In addition, Watt became the first player in NFL history to record two seasons with more than 20 sacks (20.5 in 2012 and again in 2014). He also joined Jason Taylor as the only player to record 10 sacks and 10 passes defensed in two different seasons since 1991.
List of Texans AFC Player of the Month Award Winners:
* *
|
Player |
Award |
Month |
Year |
|
J.J. Watt |
Defensive |
December |
2014 |
|
J.J. Watt |
Defensive |
September |
2014 |
|
J.J. Watt |
Defensive |
December |
2012 |
|
Andre Johnson |
Offensive |
November |
2012 |
|
J.J. Watt |
Defensive |
September |
2012 |
|
Connor Barwin |
Defensive |
November |
2011 |
|
Arian Foster |
Offensive |
October |
2011 |
|
Arian Foster |
Offensive |
September |
2010 |
|
Andre Johnson |
Offensive |
October |
2008 |
|
Marcus Coleman |
Defensive |
September |
2003 |
|
Chad Stanley |
Special Teams |
September |
2002 |
