Winner No. 3
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
Frankie Luvu brings a dog mentality to the fight every time. He was the only defensive player who caused havoc from start to finish. It was another strong indicator of how important the ferocious linebacker is to the Washington Commanders' plans moving forward.
Luvu was always around the action. He was the only player who generated consistent pressure. The former undrafted free agent out of Washington State stood up to the challenge valiantly to no avail. It was a difficult afternoon where the Commanders were outclassed in almost every area, but he couldn't have done much more to swing the pendulum.
The second-level enforcer finished the game with four tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and one quarterback hit. Luvu generated seven pressures and was flagged for two penalties when attempting to stop the tush push during a farcical point of the contest. If others had played anywhere close to this intensity, it might have been a lot closer.
Bringing the boom @frankluvu7
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 26, 2025
📺 #WASvsPHI FOX pic.twitter.com/sNoqNuDxyk
Many players in the locker room are facing uncertain futures this offseason. That is not the case with Luvu, who emerged as a core foundational piece and the perfect scheme fit for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive system. Long may it continue.
Loser No. 4
Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
There was more pressure on Nick Allegretti than most heading into the NFC Championship game. The Commanders were dealt a blow when right guard Sam Cosmi tore his ACL at the Detroit Lions. They needed their experienced left guard to perform above expectations to keep that side of the field secure.
Allegretti's got proven production on the biggest stages from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. Counteracting the Eagles' vaunted defensive front represented a stern test of his credentials. He struggled to find the consistency needed.
Whether it was Milton Williams, Jalen Carter, or Jordan Davis lined up opposite Allegretti, they got the better of him. He couldn't keep oncoming rushers in front of him, leading to pressure and batted passes at the line of scrimmage. There was almost no push on running plays, which put the onus squarely on Jayden Daniels to work his magic.
Falling at the final hurdle is never easy. Allegretti was emotional on the sidelines in the game's final stages, embracing offensive line coach Bobby Johnson and veteran center Tyler Biadasz. He probably knew deep down that this was not his best performance, but it was a pleasing campaign from the player overall.
Washington will make adjustments to their offensive line this offseason. Allegretti should be part of these plans despite this lackluster showing.