Week 1: Montez Sweat, Washington Commanders

washington commanders photo

Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat, who made five tackles and forced a pair of critical fumbles that led to offensive scores, has been named the DC Touchdown Club Pro Football Player of the Week after leading the Commanders to a season-opening 20-16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

A 2019 first-round draft pick now in his fifth season with the Commanders, Sweat delivered perhaps the biggest plays before a revved up crowd for the team’s first game since a group led by Josh Harris purchased the team this past summer.

The Commanders, who did not allow an offensive touchdown in the game, trailed 16-10 late in the third quarter when Sweat sacked quarterback Josh Dobbs, forcing a fumble that was recovered by teammate Daron Payne at the Arizona 29-yard line. Eight plays later, quarterback Sam Howell scrambled six yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

Midway through fourth quarter, after the Cardinals had moved from their 21 to the 45, Dobbs recovered a fumbled snap, only for Sweat to force another fumble that teammate Abdullah Anderson recovered. That led to Joey Slye’s 33-yard field goal that provided a bit more cushion.

“The way the unit played as a whole on defense was outstanding,” Commanders Coach Ron Rivera said. “They played hard, made plays when they had to. They gave us opportunities, created field position, put us in scoring position. They’re going to carry us a little bit and they know that.”