The Andy Dalton jokes no longer ring true -- at least not this month.
The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback is the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for October, after shredding defenses during the team's four-game win streak. He completed 89 of 131 passes for 1,246 yards and 11 touchdowns to just three interceptions for a 116.8 passer rating in four starts. The "Red Rifle" isn't done yet: The Bengals will play the Miami Dolphins on "Thursday Night Football" before November dawns.
The NFC's offensive stud comes as little surprise. Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson has won the award based on his 26 catches, 509 yards and three touchdowns. His outrageous 14-reception, 329-yard outing against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday sapped any drama out of this selection. Megatron has played at a level beyond human this month.
Here's the rest of October's honorees:
AFC Defensive Player of the Month: Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis, who totaled 13 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and a safety.
AFC Special Teams Player of the Month: New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski, who made all nine of his field-goal attempts.
NFC Defensive Player of the Month: Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee, who had 47 tackles and three interceptions.
NFC Special Teams Player of the Month: Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby, who led the NFL with 50 points and 13 field goals in October.
Offensive Rookie of the Month: Packers running back Eddie Lacy, who led the league in rushing this month with 395 yards, scored two touchdowns and added 11 receptions for 47 yards.
Defensive Rookie of the Month: Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu, who had 20 tackles, three passes defensed, a sack and an interception.
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