Four Washington Football Team game balls vs. Cowboys in Week 12

Defensive Players

Jonathan Allen

Jon Allen doesn’t generate the same headlines that we see from Chase Young, Montez Sweat, or Kendall Fuller, but he is as solid as a huge boulder on the interior of the defensive line.  This line is one of the best in the league and the depth is incredible as well.  It may or may not be fair to other teams, but Allen is one of the anchors that make this unit so potent.  His numbers on Thanksgiving Day were modest, but one play stands out and it helped to set the tone shortly after halftime.

On the first series in Dallas territory, Allen tackled Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott on a short gain and knocked the ball loose.  Allen also recovered the fumble and any hope of Dallas scoring first in the second half to gain the lead and set their own tone was thwarted.  For his contributions on Thursday, Jon Allen is awarded the third game ball.

Montez Sweat

Montez Sweat is having a great season in his second year with the Washington Football Team.  Like Jon Allen, Sweat had modest numbers on Thanksgiving Day and the statistic line may not look all that impressive.  Do not be deceived.  He produced two tackles against the Cowboys and contributed heavily to a sack.  Sweat pressured the quarterback most of the afternoon.  He had a pass deflection.  Let’s talk about that last stat for just a moment.

The pass deflection.  As most of you already know, it was more than just a pass deflection.  Sweat leaped very high into the air and stretched every inch of his massive 6-foot-6 frame to block a screen pass directly to himself.  Then he used his 4.4 speed to quickly sprint into the end zone.

The athletic play put the final exclamation point on an impressive 41-16 victory and elevated the Washington Football Team to first place in the NFC East.  Montez Sweat is awarded the fourth game ball from the Thanksgiving Day triumph.