Colts’ Darius Leonard named AFC Defensive Player of the Month

The Colts have done a good job of playing team football all year long. One player has done that better than most as a rookie, and he just got recognized again for his outstanding play.

Darius Leonard has been the best player on a resurgent defense. And he has done that while being a rookie from and FCS school. We told you yesterday how he was recognized for last week’s performance, but now he has received another award.

Leonard was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month by the league. He becomes only the second Colts rookie to ever win the award. He finished the month of December with 49 tackles, 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss, 1 pick and 5 passes defended.

This has been the type of play that Leonard has had all season long. He is always around the football and makes plays all over the field. The fact that this guy didn’t make the Pro Bowl is an all-time travesty. He deserves it perhaps more than anyone.

But once again, Leonard won’t care about this award. He is completely focused on winning the game on Saturday against Houston. He wants to win a Super Bowl. If he continues to play like he did in the month of December, the Colts have a good shot to get there.

Players like Leonard are what the Colts need more of. They seem to have a great young core of impactful players that can lead this franchise for years to come. Those young players will also be key in this year’s playoff run. Leonard, for one, seems ready.