Patriots’ Chandler Jones named AFC defensive player of the month

Second-year New England Patriots’ defensive end Chandler Jones was named the AFC’s defensive player of the month for the month of November.

Jones recorded 16 tackles and four sacks in three games the month, including a two-sack performance in a 55-31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jones now has 61 tackles, 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble on the season.

It has been nine years since the Patriots have had a defensive player of the month – former Patriots’ defensive back Eugene Wilson won the award back in 2004 – the last time the Patriots won the Super Bowl.

Jones has mostly been a pass rusher out of the 4-3 scheme, but has dropped back into coverage while playing as a 3-4 outside linebacker. With middle linebacker Jerod Mayo and starting defensive tackles Tommy Kelly and Vince Wilfork out for the season, the Patriots have needed more production out of Jones and he’s certainly given them that.

It wasn’t the only award for the Patriots. Quarterback Tom Brady was named AFC offensive player of the week.

The Patriots will be back in action Sunday when they travel to Houston to take on the Texans at 1:00 pm EST.