Vic Beasley wins NFC Defensive Player of the Month Award

Vic Beasley Jr. may have solidified his case for NFL Defensive Player of the Year in being named the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Month for December.

Vic Beasley became the first Atlanta Falcons defender since Jessie Tuggle to win the NFC Defensive Player of the Month award. Beasley wrapped up the regular season with a league-high 15.5 sacks, six of which came over the last month. He also tallied 39 tackles, six forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 2016.

Vic Beasley Jr. is the 1st Falcons LB to win Defensive Player of the Month since 1991 (Jessie Tuggle) pic.twitter.com/1t16KzoVoT
— Randall Liu (@RLiuCBS) January 5, 2017

It wasn’t long ago when fans were ready to give up on the sophomore edge rusher. This year, Beasley has become a huge fan favorite while leading a defense that has steadily improved late into the season. Atlanta’s defense still ranks near the bottom of the league in many categories, but they’ve developed a knack for starting fast and making big stops. Beasley has ripped off a number of big plays throughout the season, often times providing the much-needed spark.

It’s been a long time since the Falcons enjoyed a defender that opposing teams really had to game plan around. Atlanta will need every bit of electricity Beasley provides when they host their first playoff game at the Georgia Dome since 2012.

15.5 Sacks -- @VicBeasley3.

One-man wrecking crew. #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/c1UjLdBF3l
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 4, 2017

Vic Beasley did temporarily exit the Falcons’ Week 17 game vs New Orleans due to a shoulder injury. He returned in the second quarter and sacked Drew Brees during the Saints’ sixth drive. Dan Quinn has assured Falcons fans that Beasley’s injury isn’t serious and will not cause limitations moving forward.