Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is sacked by Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. | Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware has won the first Defensive Player of the Month honor of his 11-year career.

The eight-time Pro Bowler earned the AFC’s monthly honor after helping lead the NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense with 3 1-2 sacks in three games in September.

He’s the only player in the league with a sack in each of his team’s first three games.

Ware also leads the league with 11 quarterback hits and added 10 tackles in helping the Broncos to a 3-0 start.

Ware has benefited from defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defensive scheme in which he doesn’t have to square off against tackles all the time like he did in the 4-3 alignment.

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