Commanders Fans 'Helped Us Win The Game', Says Jonathan Allen

The Washington Commanders opened their season with a come-from-behind win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

There's a different energy surrounding the Washington Commanders these days. 

Josh Harris taking over as owner of the Commanders has breathed new life into the fan base and brought a new aura. The new life among Washington's fans played a pivotal role for Jonathan Allen. 

The Commanders defensive tackle credited the fans for their impact in their come-from-behind 20-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals.  

"There was a moment where we were not playing good and they were not really into it, but that's our job to get them back into it," Allen said. "Luckily, they came on strong in the 4th quarter, you know, helped us win the game.”

The performance from Washington's defensive line proved crucial much like it has in the past. Allen, who is in his seventh year with the Commanders, had one sack, two tackles-for-loss and three quarterback hits. Montez Sweat was also a disruptive force with 1.5 sacks, two tackles-for-loss, one quarterback hit and two forced fumbles that Washington recovered.

Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

Sweat's first forced fumble late in the third quarter led to a six-yard run by Sam Howell for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to give Washington a 17-16 lead with 11:48 left in the game. The Commanders led for the rest of the game after Howell scored. 

For the seventh-year defensive tackle, the crowd was the best Allen had seen since first playing in Washington. 

"I haven't seen the fans like that in my six years here, so I’m glad we were able to get the win for the fans, you know," Allen said. "That would've been very disappointing to let them down on the first game of the season, so we’re happy but we’re not satisfied for them to leave.”

Washington's next challenge will come on the road when they face the Denver Broncos at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.