Week 11: Kendall Fuller, Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller, who starred at Good Counsel High School in Olney, has been named the DC Touchdown Club Pro Football Player of the Week after his first professional touchdown sparked the Commanders to their fifth win in six games, a 23-10 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday.

After Washington went three-and-out on the game’s initial possession, Fuller quickly put the Commanders in the lead on Houston’s first offensive snap. He stepped in front of a wide receiver, intercepted a pass and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead that Washington never relinquished.

It was Fuller’s 12th career interception. He also made four tackles Sunday.

Buoyed by a strong defensive effort, the visiting Commanders allowed just six yards of total offense in the first half, led 20-0 at halftime and were never threatened.

“Defense played great,” quarterback Taylor Heinecke said. “We started off the day with a pick-six. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Defensive linemen Jonathan Allen, Montez Sweat and Daron Payne combined for five sacks and safety Darrick Forest added an interception.

“The defense is really gelling,” Coach Ron Rivera said. “They’re playing at the tempo we need them to play. They’re opportunistic and making plays when we need them to.”