Chris Carson finished his second season in the NFL by rushing for more than 100 yards in three consecutive games, an impressive closing stretch that helped him earn NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors for December.
Carson, who in Week 16 became the Seahawks' first 1,000-yard rusher since Marshawn Lynch, rushed for 516 yards and five touchdowns on 103 carries in five December games, with the Seahawks going 4-1 over that stretch.
Carson led the NFC in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns over that stretch, and was second in the NFL in both categories to Tennessee's Derrick Henry. Carson, who was named a Pro-Bowl alternate last month, finished the regular season rushing for 1,151 yards and nine touchdowns on 247 carries, his rushing total ranking fifth in the NFL. With Carson leading the way, the Seahawks rushed for a league-best 2,560 rushing yards this season, the third highest total in franchise history trailing only the 2014 and 2012 teams.
It was an impressive first full season in the NFL for Carson, a 2017 seventh-round pick whose rookie season ended after just four games due to a leg injury.
"He has had a great year," Carroll said after Carson rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns in Seattle’s Week 16 win over Kansas City. "I hope everybody just loves the way he plays… His style and the toughness that he's brought this team and representing the O-linemen and all the guys that have been a big part of the leadership. Chris has had a great year. It's a great accomplishment."
Carson becomes the second Seahawk to earn Player of the Month honors in as many months, joining rookie punter Michael Dickson, who was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November.