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This week, Washington Wire is counting down the top five Washington Football Team performers for the 2021 season.
No. 1 Jonathan Allen (DT)
Allen continued to live up to his first-round selection (17th overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft, with perhaps his best season in his short career.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide lineman led Washington in sacks (9.0), tackles for a loss (10) and QB hits 30. Allen’s penetration was so dominant, his 30 QB hits were double that of his closest teammate Daron Payne’s 15.
Here are Jonathan Allen’s sacks during the 2021 season:
A 🅿️remier talent
Every sack from @jonallen93_'s Pro Bowl season ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/J1TemCZpcu
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) January 20, 2022
Allen led Washington defensive lineman with 62 combined tackles (31 solo and 31 assisted). According to PFF, Allen had the third-highest pass-rush win rate among interior defenders in 2021. Aaron Donald (LAR 22.9%), Javon Hargrave (PHI 21.1%) and Jonathan Allen (WAS 20.0%).
No Washington players were voted to the NFL 2021 All-Pro Team however Brandon Scherff and Allen did receive votes. Allen and Payne were the only defensive players for Washington to start each game. Allen is also Washington’s nominee for the NFL Man of the Year Award.
Allen’s career season came after he signed a four-year extension back in the summer.