Panthers back earns monthly player honor

NEW YORK, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams was named the NFC offensive player of the month for December this week.

The three-year veteran from Memphis rushed for an NFL-best 560 yards in four games to help the Panthers go 3-1 and secure the NFC South Division crown.

He capped the month with a 178-yard performance in Carolina's 33-31 win against the New Orleans Saints and joined teammates Jon Beason and Julius Peppers to give the Panthers three straight NFC monthly player winners for the first time in franchise history.

Other NFC monthly honorees were Philadelphia safety Brian Dawkins (defense) and Chicago placekicker Robbie Gould (special teams).

Dawkins totaled 36 tackles, one sack, two passes defensed and the two fumbles he forced both were returned for touchdowns.

Gould became the fourth kicker in NFL history with back-to-back game-winning field goals in overtime in wins over New Orleans and Green Bay, and the first since Philadelphia's David Akers in the 2000 season.