Holmes honored by NFL

Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Priest Holmes, who leads the NFL in rushing and scoring, was named the AFC offensive player of the month for October.

Holmes was instrumental in the Kansas City Chiefs going 3-1 last month and getting back in the AFC West race.

''We're all pleased,'' said Chiefs fullback Tony Richardson. ''If anybody in the NFL deserves it, it's Priest.''

Over the past four games, Holmes has rung up three 100-yard rushing games, totaling 482 yards and nine touchdowns on 106 carries. He has also caught 10 passes for 170 yards and one touchdown.

In a 56-10 victory over Atlanta on Oct. 24, he rushed for four touchdowns in the first half and then sat out while backup Derrick Blaylock scored four more for an NFL-record eight touchdowns rushing.

''There's nobody else in the National Football League I would rather line up with,'' Richardson said.

Holmes, who signed a free agent contract with the Chiefs in 2001, leads the NFL with 833 yards rushing, 84 points and 14 touchdowns. He's on pace to be the first player in NFL history to score 20-plus touchdowns rushing in three consecutive seasons.