Archuleta picks up second monthly defensive player honor

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Rams safety Adam Archuleta was named Wednesday as the NFC's Defensive Player of the Month.

It was the second time Archuleta has received the award. His first came in 2003.

Rams coach Mike Martz was walking away from the team Wednesday after practice at Rams Park when he turned and told the players about Archuleta's accomplishment.

"That's quite an honor," Martz said. "It's exciting for Adam."

Archuleta, in his fifth year out of Arizona State, has played a huge role on both St. Louis wins this season.

Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, St. Louis was down 10-0 in the second quarter and the Titans were driving deep in Rams territory when Archuleta intercepted a pass from Steve McNair and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown. It was his first career interception return for a touchdown, and he also had seven tackles.

Naturally, the scoring play was a thrill for him.

"I was thinking, 'Just don't get caught,'" Archuleta said. "There was a big rush of adrenaline there. I looked back to see if there were any flags. Then it was time to celebrate."

On Sept. 18 at Arizona, Archuleta sacked Kurt Warner for a 5-yard loss on the final drive of the game. The Cardinals were at the Rams' 5-yard line when Archuleta darted in untouched and made the sack. Arizona was unable to run another play and St. Louis escaped with a 17-12 win. Archuleta also had 10 tackles.

Archuleta said he is playing without pain, after spending last season hampered with a back injury.

Archuleta is the fourth Rams player to win the award in three years. He first won it in November 2003 Defensive end Bryce Fisher won the award last December, and Grant Wistrom won the honor in December 2003.