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.
