HOUSTON – Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., behind the strength of leading the NFL with three interceptions in December, was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month.
He had the top coverage and overall defensive grade among cornerbacks, per Pro Football Focus analytics.
And he led the league with nine passes defensed with a 1.7 passer rating when targeted by quarterbacks.
In a win over the Denver Broncos, he intercepted quarterback Russell Wilson, a former Super Bowl winner, twice.
A former consensus LSU All-American and third overall selection, Stingley leads the Texans, the AFC South champs, with five interceptions. He has recorded 39 tackles (28 solo), including one for loss and 13 passes defensed in just 11 starts.
Aaron Wilson is a contributor to Sports Talk 790.
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