Jaguars OLB Josh Allen earns AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for strong Week 18 outing vs. Titans

Outside linebacker Josh Allen is one of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ best players on defense. Against the Tennessee Titans in the season finale, he scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery to help the Jags win the game. Following his dominant performance, he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

This is the second time in Allen’s career that he gets the award. Last season, he won it after registering a sack, an interception, and a fumble recovery against the Buffalo Bills in Week 9. This time around, he logged six total tackles, one tackle for a loss, and had a touchdown return after scooping a fumble safety Rayshawn Jenkins forced. Moreover, Allen posted a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 89.6, the highest among Jaguars players in Week 18.

Allen is the fourth Jaguar to be named AFC Player of the Week this season. Jenkins got the award in Week 15 following his walk-off pick six to beat the Dallas Cowbolawys in overtime. Trevor Lawrence earned twice (offense), in Weeks 3 and 14, and Riley Patterson was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after nailing four field goals against the New York Jets in Week 16. Here’s Allen’s returning the fumble for a touchdown.

Jaguars OLB Josh Allen got off to a slow start but finished 2022 strong

Allen’s recovery for a touchdown showed the kind of playmaker he can be. Although he finished the season with just six sacks, he often brought the heat and helped his teammates make plays. Furthermore, his 68 total pressures ranked ninth in the league.

On the other hand, you could make the case that Allen can play better. Sure, he applied pressure at a high rate but he needs to make more big plays. Seven of the players that racked more pressure than him also registered 10 sacks or more.

In Allen’s defense, maybe he was still adjusting to Mike Caldwell’s system, which is possible when you take into account that his impact grew bigger as the season progressed. If that’s the case, he should have an impact in the postseason.

The Jaguars picked up Allen’s fifth-year option on his rookie deal last offseason, showing they think he’s a valuable piece of their defensive possible. If he can build off of a strong finish in 2022, he should start next season with a bang.