Week 9: Dante Fowler Jr., Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. has been named the DC Touchdown Club Pro Football Player of the Week for the second time this season after another strong defensive performance led the host Commanders to a 27-22 victory over the New York Giants.

Fowler, who has made quite an impact after singing as a free agent this past offseason, finished with six tackles and two sacks, forced one fumble and had two quarterback hits, leading the Commanders to their third consecutive win.

Fowler delivered perhaps the biggest play of the game midway through the first quarter. After New York had driven from its own 8-yard line to a first down at the Commanders’ 29, Fowler rushed the quarterback and knocked the ball loose just before Giants quarterback released a pass. While game officials initially ruled the play an incomplete pass, the Commanders challenged and the call was reversed, with the fumble being recovered by Washington’s Bobby Wagner at the New York 31.

Five plays later, the Commanders finished their short touchdown drive with Jayden Daniels’ one-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin. The Giants had been in position to score the game’s first points, but Fowler’s play swung the momentum and Washington had a 7-0 lead and never trailed.

Fowler has now a team-leading 6 ½ sacks this season and is on pace to break his career-high of 11 ½.