Cox and Wentz continue Birds’ winning ways

Fletcher Cox and Carson Wentz ensured that the Eagles’ good times keep rolling — even during a bye week.

Cox, the Birds’ fifth-year defensive tackle, was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for the first time in his career Thursday, while quarterback Wentz was tabbed as the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Month.

Cox had three sacks in September, including a pair in the Eagles’ 34-3 win over the Steelers on Sunday. Cox has contributed 11 tackles, including nine solos, and forced a fumble over three games.

Wentz, meanwhile, followed up his NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor with a league-wide award for first-year players.

The 23-year-old is the first quarterback in NFL history to start his career 3-0 without committing a turnover. The No. 2 pick from North Dakota State has completed 66 of 102 passes (64.7 percent) for 769 yards and five touchdowns. His 102 consecutive passing attempts without an interception is also a league record.

With the team’s surprisingly impressive start, Cox wasn’t the only Eagle to excel on defense.

Defensive end Brandon Graham notched three sacks in the month, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and produced eight tackles, including two for loss.

Cox and Graham, among others, are tied for fifth in the league in sacks.

Safety Rodney McLeod also had a big month with 13 tackles, including one for a loss, three passes broken up and two interceptions.

Safety Malcolm Jenkins had 10 tackles, including a sack, and defended four passes for the Eagles, who have allowed a league-low 27 points.

The Eagles are one of five teams to win their first three games. According to NFL figures, since 1990, 75.6 percent of teams that started 3-0 made the playoffs.

MICHAEL PEREZ — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, shown taking down Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III in the season opener, was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month.