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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson were named the AFC and NFC Offensive Players of the Month, respectively, for October. It marks the ninth time Brady has received the honor, passing retired quarterback Peyton Manning -- an eight-time AFC Player of the Month recipient -- for the most in NFL history.
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Brady, 39, led the Patriots (7-1) to an unbeaten 4-0 mark in October while throwing for 1,319 yards and 12 touchdowns against zero interceptions.
He reached the 300-yard plateau in three of those games, including a 406-yard performance against the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 9 -- his first contest after serving his four-game Deflategate suspension.
Since returning, Brady already ranks second in the NFL in yards per game (329.8) and quarterback rating (133.9).
Johnson, 24, led the league in yards from scrimmage in October with 726 (488 rushing, 238 receiving) and tied the league lead for the month with five rushing scores. His 488 yards on the ground ranks third in the NFL.
This is Johnson's first career Player of the Month selection. He was named the league's Rookie of the Month last December/January.
Buffalo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander was tabbed the AFC's Defensive Player of the Month after compiling a league-leading six sacks over five games in the month. Lorenzo, 33, leads the NFL with nine sacks this season.
In the NFC, the award went to Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril. Avril, 30, ranks third in the league with 7 1/2 sacks -- 6 1/2 of which came in October.
The AFC Rookie of the Month honor went to San Diego Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa. The 21-year-old had 13 tackles and four sacks in the month.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was the NFC's top rookie after throwing for 806 yards, eight touchdowns and two picks while leading his team to a perfect 4-0 mark.
Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri was named the AFC's Special Teams Player of the Month after converting all 12 field goals and 13 extra-point attempts in the month.
It is the 43-year-old kicker's fifth monthly special teams honor, tying him with Jason Hanson, David Akers and John Carney for the most in NFL history.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant earned the NFC honor, going 11-for-12 on field goals with 17 extra points in October. Bryant, 41, joins Morten Andersen as the only Falcons kickers to bring home the award twice.
