by Grand Rapid Press

Delmas, a second-round pick out of Western Michigan, received the honor Thursday. The Lions have had three offensive rookies win the award, which started in 1996, but never a defensive player.

Delmas said he was happy to receive the recognition, but clearly is concentrating on Detroit's next game against the Chicago Bears.

"My position coach told me (about the award) about 15 minutes before practice, and then later coach (Jim) Schwartz came up to me and congratulated me. I said, 'For what?' " Delmas said after the team's workout.

Delmas made two highlight-reel plays in September -- a 65-yard fumble return for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints, and a thundering collision with Minnesota Vikings stud running back Adrian Peterson. The hit was so violent that both players were shaken up; Delmas returned for the next play but Peterson was sidelined for several plays.

Delmas has 17 tackles this season, which leads all rookie defensive backs. He's third overall in tackles among rookies in the league.

"It's a great honor, a nice accomplishment," Delmas said.

"He's getting better, he's learning that position," Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said. "He's very instinctive. He's going to be a great player."

Said Schwartz: "He hasn't had the interceptions and things like that, but he's been very, very consistent. He's really saved us a few times when it comes to big plays.

"We said from the time that he got here that he didn't perform like a rookie and he didn't practice like a rookie. He's improved every week, and his understanding (of the game) is getting better every week. But it's not like he was deficient in those areas to begin with."

The other Lions players to win rookie player of the month awards were running back Kevin Jones and receiver Roy Williams in 2004 and quarterback Charlie Batch in 1998.

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