AP

When your offense is compromised by injuries at quarterback, it’s always helpful to be able to pin opposing offenses deep on their side of the field to help out a defense that’s going to do a lot of heavy lifting.

The Cardinals were able to accomplish that in December. They downed 13 punts inside the opponents 20-yard line over their four games while allowing just two punt return yards. Justin Bethel is the leader of that coverage team and he’s been named the NFC special teams player of the month.

Bethel had eight special teams tackles and a forced fumble while the Cardinals went 2-2 to secure a playoff berth despite losing Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton and numerous defensive players to injuries over the course of the season.

The monthly honor is the second recent bit of recognition for Bethel’s strong play. He was selected to the Pro Bowl as a special teamer for the second straight year as well.