Watchful Eyes Are Taking Keen Interest in a Young Commanders' Success

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Summertime always brings the heat, memories, and a few smiles. There's just one problem. Most of its Sundays are void of a Washington Commanders game that counts towards the win-loss total. For that, we'll have to wait until September 7 and a 1 p.m. EST kickoff vs. the hated New York Giants.
(Photo by)
(Photo by)
Photo byFear not, there is plenty to discuss. Deebo Samuel is here. Jayden Daniels enters year two after helping lead his team to the doorstep of being the NFC's representative in Super Bowl LIX. Both football junkies and former rivals are both pumped (and fearful) about the type of magic those two can create together.
One can only wonder what past greats like Ryan Kerrigan might have accomplished while playing as part of a roster that is as talented as this one. While no one will ever know that answer, joy can be found in the next best thing. His fingerprints are still all on members of this current Commanders iteration.
Frankie Luvu is the talk of the town thanks to workout clips and a recent tip of the cap
Though it may not seem like it, the coming NFL season doubles as year eight for Frankie Luvu. He was decent for the New York Jets during three seasons, but he truly took off with the Carolina Panthers. That led to the three-year $31 million contract he signed with Washington on March 11, 2024.
He's seen campaigns where he exceeded 100 tackles, so last season didn't produce a personal best in that category. He did, however, force his sixth career forced fumble and snag the second interception of his career while notching career highs in pass breakups (7), sacks (8), and QB hits (14).
The good news for Commanders fans is Luvu is still scratching the surface of how good he can be. He recently leaned on a legend to give him some pointers.
The franchise's career sack leader, Ryan Kerrigan took on the role of mentor at a recent practice. Luvu approaches year two with Washington. Here's a look at them working out together.
Commanders LB Frankie Luvu working with Ryan Kerrigan on pass rush techniques. pic.twitter.com/jNd7PMNT48 — Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 11, 2025
Make no mistake. People are watching. Pro Football Focus ranked him and teammate Bobby Wagner among the top 32 linebackers entering the 2025 season.
Wagner landed in 'Tier 2', third overall. Luvu landed in 'Tier 4', towards the middle of the list at 14.
"Luvu didn't put forth his highest-graded season in 2024, but he still maintains a solid overall profile as a run defender and blitzer. Across the past four seasons, he has produced a 72.0-plus PFF pass-rush grade on 70 or more blitzes each year."
Those were the words of one Mason Cameron, the writer of this one. His next statement sums up what he and the rest of Commanders Nation is expecting.
Must read: PFF's Commanders Evaluation Is Music to Jayden Daniels' Ears
"While his run-defense metrics have fallen in each of the past three seasons, he still lands in the 87th percentile in grading... Another season next to Bobby Wagner gives Luvu more potential to expand his game in 2025."
It's hard yo disagree. Keep an eye of Luvu as we move through the coming season. He'll play a huge role in the success of the defense.