The 2023 National Football League (NFL) season began on Thursday, September 7, with a showdown between the Detroit Lions and defending Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs. Three weeks later, on September 28, the league announced the top performers of the first month of the season. The following are the four winners of the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Month in the National Football Conference (NFC) and American Football Conference (AFC).
1. Christian McCaffrey (NFC Offensive Player)
A two-time Pro Bowl running back from Castle Rock, Colorado, Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers was the most impressive offensive player in the NFC in September. The 27-year-old Stanford alumnus, selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2017 NFL Draft, led all running backs with 423 scrimmage yards through the season's first three games.
McCaffrey, who is in his first full season with the 49ers after a midseason trade in 2022, averaged 5.9 yards per carry (353 total rush yards) and scored three touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 70 yards.
2. Tua Tagovailoa (AFC Offensive Player)
Selected fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft, fourth-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looked like an MVP candidate through the season's first three games, leading the Dolphins to a 3-0 record with a league-leading 130 points. Tagovailoa finished September with a league-best 121.9 passer rating to go along with 1,024 passing yards and eight touchdowns.
Tagovailoa was particularly impressive in Miami's 70-20 Week 3 win over the Denver Broncos, recording 309 passing yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions.
3. Micah Parsons (NFC Defensive Player)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons placed immense pressure on himself before the 2023 NFL season, saying he wants to be remembered as "one of the greatest Hall of Famers" in the sport. His impressive play in September proved that may be possible. The 24-year-old native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, already a former AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Pro, recorded 12 tackles, five of which were for a loss, and four quarterback sacks in three games in September. He also forced a fumble and had a fumble recovery.
4. T.J. Watt (AFC Defensive Player)
A three-time All-Pro linebacker and 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year, T.J. Watt remains one of the best players at his position in his seventh year in the league. Watt played just 10 games last season due to injury and recorded only 5.5 sacks. He surpassed that already with a league-leading six sacks in his first three games. He also forced and recovered two fumbles, one of which he returned for a touchdown.