AP

There might have been guys with more raw stats that Robert Mathis in October, but it’s hard to imagine anyone more timely.

The Colts outside linebacker was named AFC defensive player of the month Thursday.

He had 4.0 sacks and two forced fumbles in three games.

Mathis registered a pair each in wins over the Seahawks and Colts, making history and changing games at the same time. Against the Seahawks, he topped the 100.0 sack mark for his career. Against the Bronocs, his sack-forced fumble on Peyton Manning led to a safety, and seemed to change the way Manning was throwing the ball the rest of the game.

Mathis has 11.5 sacks on the season, proving he’s made a smooth transition to the 3-4 defense coach Chuck Pagano brought in last year.