Running back CHRIS JOHNSON of the Tennessee Titans and safety CHRIS HORTON of the Washington Redskins are the NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Month for September, the NFL announced today.
OFFENSE: RB CHRIS JOHNSON, TENNESSEE TITANS
· A first-round pick (No. 24 overall) from East Carolina, Johnson ranks second in the AFC with 337 rushing yards and has played a pivotal role in Tennessee’s 4-0 record in September. For the month, Johnson totaled 67 carries and averaged 5.0 yards per carry. He rushed for two touchdowns and hauled in 10 receptions for 65 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown catch in the month. The 5-11, 200-pound running back ranks second in the AFC with 402 yards from scrimmage. Johnson is averaging 84.2 rush yards per game and posted his first career 100-yard rushing game in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals (109 yards). He is on pace (1,348) to become the first Titans rookie running back since EDDIE GEORGE (1,368 in 1996) to gain 1,000 rushing yards.
Johnson is the first Titans player to earn Offensive Rookie of the Month honors since George collected the award in September of 1996.
DEFENSE: S CHRIS HORTON, WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Horton, a seventh-round selection (No. 249 overall) from UCLA, made an immediate impact in his first month, tying for the NFC lead with three interceptions. Making his first start in Week 2 against New Orleans, his hometown team, Horton earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors by notching two interceptions and a fumble recovery to become the first Redskins rookie with two interceptions and a fumble recovery in a game since BRIG OWENS on November 27, 1966. For the month, Horton recorded three interceptions and a fumble recovery, becoming the first rookie since 1982 (ANDRE YOUNG) to post four takeaways in his first four games.
Horton is the first Redskins player to earn Defensive Rookie of the Month honors since cornerback FRED SMOOT collected the award in September of 2001
