Quarterback TODD COLLINS of the Washington Redskins, safety ATARI BIGBY of the Green Bay Packers, and kicker MATT BRYANT of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Month for December, the NFL announced Thursday.
OFFENSE: QB TODD COLLINS, WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Collins guided the Redskins to four consecutive wins and helped Washington secure a playoff berth. The veteran quarterback had an NFC-best 106.4 passer rating during the month, completing 67 of 105 passes (63.8 percent) for 888 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions. Collins made his season debut in Week 14, passing for 224 yards and two touchdowns in relief as the Redskins beat Chicago 24-17. The next week against the New York Giants, Collins made his first start since 1997, leading Washington to a 22-10 road win. In Week 16, Collins passed for a season-high 254 yards with two touchdowns as the Redskins knocked off Minnesota. He finished the month with a 224-yard, one-touchdown performance against Dallas to get Washington into the playoffs.
In his 13th season from Michigan, this is Collins' first career Player of the Month Award. He was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 14. Collins is the first Redskins quarterback to win the award and is the first Washington player to be honored on offense since October 1996 (TERRY ALLEN).
DEFENSE: S ATARI BIGBY, GREEN BAY PACKERS
Bigby tied for the NFL lead with four interceptions during the month in just four games. The Packers posted a 3-1 record in December and clinched the NFC North division, locking up the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. Bigby posted an interception in three of Green Bay's four December games. He had a 22-yard interception in Week 14 and recorded a career-high two interceptions the next week against St. Louis. Bigby finished the month with an interception in the Packers' win over Detroit.
In his second year from Central Florida, this is Bigby's first career Player of the Month Award. He is the second Packers player to be named Defensive Player of the Month this year, joining Pro Bowl defensive end AARON KAMPMAN (October).
SPECIAL TEAMS: K MATT BRYANT, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Bryant ranked second in the NFC during December with 42 points and 10 field goals as the Buccaneers clinched the NFC South. Bryant connected on 10 of 11 field goal attempts (90.9 percent), including a long of 49 yards. He also converted all 12 PATs. Bryant finished the season with career-highs in field goals made (28) and total points (118).
In his sixth season from Baylor, this is Bryant's first Player of the Month Award. He is the first Buccaneers kicker to be honored since December 2002 (MARTIN GRAMATICA).
2007 NFC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH
September
QB Tony Romo, Dallas
LB Barrett Ruud, Tampa Bay
KR-PR Devin Hester, Chicago
October
RB Brandon Jacobs, NY Giants
DE Aaron Kampman, Green Bay
K David Akers, Philadelphia
November
WR Terrell Owens, Dallas
DE Patrick Kerney, Seattle
K Mason Crosby, Green Bay
December
QB Todd Collins, Washington
S Atari Bigby, Green Bay
K Matt Bryant, Tampa Bay
