Robert Mathis Named AFC Defensive Player of the Month

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Mathis is finally starting to get the credit he deserves.

Yes, Mathis is a five-time NFL Pro Bowl player. Yes, Mathis has been to two Super Bowls, and has won one. Mathis was also part of one of the most dangerous defensive end tandems in NFL history, alongside Dwight Freeney. For all the accolades that Mathis has accrued, he was also somewhat overshadowed by Freeney, who seemed to be the more dynamic and boisterous of the two.

Now is Robert’s time.

On Thursday, Mathis was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for October. Mathis is quietly leading the NFL, with 11.5 sacks. During their last game against the Denver Broncos, Mathis helped the Colts massively, by picking up five tackles and two sacks. One of those two sacks against Peyton Manning caused a fumble, which was recovered in the end zone, for a safety. For the Month of October, Mathis has totaled 14 tackles, two forced fumbles, and four sacks, in three games.

Mathis moved from defensive end to outside linebacker when Chuck Pagano introduced a new 3-4 defensive scheme for his team The Colts’ quiet leader on defense, is working on a Hall of Fame career. This honor is the third time in his career that he has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Month. Earlier this season, Mathis got his 100th sack, becoming one of only 30 players in NFL history to do so. If Mathis keeps up at this rate, he may win his first NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.