The National Football League announced Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard, and Detroit Lions placekicker Jake Bates as the National Football Conference Players of the Month for November 2024.
Barkley had a memorable month, starting with his 27 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars. A week later, he had a subpar 66 yards against their division rival, the Dallas Cowboys.
However, the former All-Pro running back bounced back with solid performances to close the month. Barkley had 26 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns against another NFC East rival, the Washington Commanders.
Then, he saved the best for last, tallying 26 carries for 255 yards and two touchdowns against the Los Angeles Rams. In one game, he established a career-high and a franchise record for most rushing yards in a game. Barley has 266 carries for 1,623 yards and 11 touchdowns in 13 games.
Meanwhile, Greenard is the NFC Defensive Player of the Month after tallying 16 tackles (eight for losses), four sacks, a forced fumble, and a defended pass. He had two sacks against the Indianapolis Colts and another two to close the month against the Chicago Bears. Greenard was instrumental in the Vikings’ undefeated run throughout the month.
Finally, Bates is the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month after converting eight out of nine field goal attempts, including a perfect four-for-four from at least 50 yards. In one of Detroit’s games last month, his game-winning field goal helped his squad overcome Jared Goff’s five interceptions against the Houston Texans.
-Lance Fernandez