New York, NY (Sports Network) - Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly and
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson have been named the NFL's top
rookies for the month of December.
Kuechly recorded an NFL-best 59 tackles and 44 solo tackles as the Panthers
went 4-1 in the month. He started all five games and had at least eight
tackles in each game, including three games with at least 13 tackles.
The Boston College product finished the season with a league-best 165 tackles
and became the first rookie to lead the league in tackles since San
Francisco's Patrick Willis accomplished the feat in 2007. He also is the
first Panthers player to be named defensive rookie of the month since Julius
Peppers in 2002.
Wilson completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 1,067 yards and nine
touchdowns in December, leading his team to a perfect 5-0 mark. He also rushed
for 262 yards and four scores.
Wilson posted 26 touchdown passes in the regular season, which tied him with
Peyton Manning for the most by a rookie in league history. His 30 total
touchdowns are the second-most by a rookie in league history behind Cam
Newton, who scored 35 in 2011. Wilson joins Walter Jones as the only Seahawks
to be named offensive rookie of the month.
The Sports Network