In a game-changing moment that electrified FedExField, Washington Commanders defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. made the play of his career, picking off Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton and racing 67 yards for a touchdown. The incredible defensive score set the tone early and propelled the Commanders to a Week 7 victory.
A Defensive Dream Turned Reality
For most defensive players, scoring a touchdown seems like an elusive dream – but Dante Fowler Jr. made it his reality on Sunday. The 29-year-old edge rusher, who signed with Washington this offseason, showcased his athleticism and football instincts on the Panthers’ opening drive.
As Dalton rolled out to his right, trying to escape pressure from Commanders defensive end Clelin Ferrell, he attempted a short pass to running back Miles Sanders. But Fowler read the play perfectly, leaping to snatch the ball out of the air for the interception.
Making Dalton Miss
What happened next was even more impressive. With nothing but green grass ahead of him, Fowler had to make one man miss – Andy Dalton himself. The savvy veteran sidestepped the diving quarterback around the Commanders’ 45-yard line, maintaining his balance and sprinting untouched to the end zone.
I saw Dalton coming out of the corner of my eye and I knew I had to make a move. I just trusted my instincts and tried to stay on my feet. After that, it was just a race to the end zone.
– Dante Fowler Jr.
Making Franchise History
Fowler’s 67-yard interception return was the longest pick-six by a Commanders player since safety Ifeanyi Ohalete’s 78-yarder in 2002. He also became the first Washington defensive end to score a touchdown on an interception return since Sports Illustrated first began tracking the stat.
Proving His Worth
For Fowler, the interception return touchdown was more than just a highlight-reel play – it was a statement. After signing a one-year deal with Washington in free agency, the former third-overall draft pick was determined to prove he still had plenty left in the tank.
Through seven weeks, Fowler has been a consistent force for the Commanders’ defense. His pick-six against Carolina was the crown jewel, but he’s also tallied 3.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits while filling in for injured starter Dorance Armstrong.
Dante has been a tremendous addition to our defense. His experience, leadership, and playmaking ability have really stood out. That pick-six was a prime example of the impact he can have on a game.
– Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio
A Season-Defining Moment?
While it’s still early, Fowler’s defensive touchdown could prove to be a turning point for the Commanders’ season. At 4-3, they sit atop the NFC East and are starting to click on both sides of the ball.
If the defense can continue to generate game-changing plays like Fowler’s pick-six, and the offense keeps humming under resurgent quarterback Carson Wentz, Washington has the potential to make noise in a wide-open NFC playoff race.
For now, though, Fowler and his teammates are staying focused on the task at hand – preparing for a Week 8 clash with the Green Bay Packers. But if the Commanders’ opportunistic defense keeps making big plays, don’t be surprised if Fowler finds his way into the end zone again.
Proving His Worth
For Fowler, the interception return touchdown was more than just a highlight-reel play – it was a statement. After signing a one-year deal with Washington in free agency, the former third-overall draft pick was determined to prove he still had plenty left in the tank.
Through seven weeks, Fowler has been a consistent force for the Commanders’ defense. His pick-six against Carolina was the crown jewel, but he’s also tallied 3.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits while filling in for injured starter Dorance Armstrong.
Dante has been a tremendous addition to our defense. His experience, leadership, and playmaking ability have really stood out. That pick-six was a prime example of the impact he can have on a game.
– Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio
A Season-Defining Moment?
While it’s still early, Fowler’s defensive touchdown could prove to be a turning point for the Commanders’ season. At 4-3, they sit atop the NFC East and are starting to click on both sides of the ball.
If the defense can continue to generate game-changing plays like Fowler’s pick-six, and the offense keeps humming under resurgent quarterback Carson Wentz, Washington has the potential to make noise in a wide-open NFC playoff race.
For now, though, Fowler and his teammates are staying focused on the task at hand – preparing for a Week 8 clash with the Green Bay Packers. But if the Commanders’ opportunistic defense keeps making big plays, don’t be surprised if Fowler finds his way into the end zone again.
While Fowler entered the record books, his touchdown was just the spark the Commanders needed. Energized by the early score, the defense terrorized Dalton and the Panthers’ offense all afternoon, racking up five sacks and three turnovers en route to a convincing 27-13 win.
Proving His Worth
For Fowler, the interception return touchdown was more than just a highlight-reel play – it was a statement. After signing a one-year deal with Washington in free agency, the former third-overall draft pick was determined to prove he still had plenty left in the tank.
Through seven weeks, Fowler has been a consistent force for the Commanders’ defense. His pick-six against Carolina was the crown jewel, but he’s also tallied 3.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits while filling in for injured starter Dorance Armstrong.
Dante has been a tremendous addition to our defense. His experience, leadership, and playmaking ability have really stood out. That pick-six was a prime example of the impact he can have on a game.
– Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio
A Season-Defining Moment?
While it’s still early, Fowler’s defensive touchdown could prove to be a turning point for the Commanders’ season. At 4-3, they sit atop the NFC East and are starting to click on both sides of the ball.
If the defense can continue to generate game-changing plays like Fowler’s pick-six, and the offense keeps humming under resurgent quarterback Carson Wentz, Washington has the potential to make noise in a wide-open NFC playoff race.
For now, though, Fowler and his teammates are staying focused on the task at hand – preparing for a Week 8 clash with the Green Bay Packers. But if the Commanders’ opportunistic defense keeps making big plays, don’t be surprised if Fowler finds his way into the end zone again.
While Fowler entered the record books, his touchdown was just the spark the Commanders needed. Energized by the early score, the defense terrorized Dalton and the Panthers’ offense all afternoon, racking up five sacks and three turnovers en route to a convincing 27-13 win.
Proving His Worth
For Fowler, the interception return touchdown was more than just a highlight-reel play – it was a statement. After signing a one-year deal with Washington in free agency, the former third-overall draft pick was determined to prove he still had plenty left in the tank.
Through seven weeks, Fowler has been a consistent force for the Commanders’ defense. His pick-six against Carolina was the crown jewel, but he’s also tallied 3.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits while filling in for injured starter Dorance Armstrong.
Dante has been a tremendous addition to our defense. His experience, leadership, and playmaking ability have really stood out. That pick-six was a prime example of the impact he can have on a game.
– Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio
A Season-Defining Moment?
While it’s still early, Fowler’s defensive touchdown could prove to be a turning point for the Commanders’ season. At 4-3, they sit atop the NFC East and are starting to click on both sides of the ball.
If the defense can continue to generate game-changing plays like Fowler’s pick-six, and the offense keeps humming under resurgent quarterback Carson Wentz, Washington has the potential to make noise in a wide-open NFC playoff race.
For now, though, Fowler and his teammates are staying focused on the task at hand – preparing for a Week 8 clash with the Green Bay Packers. But if the Commanders’ opportunistic defense keeps making big plays, don’t be surprised if Fowler finds his way into the end zone again.
