Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
One of the biggest underachievers this season is Frankie Luvu. The ferocious linebacker took the Washington Commanders by storm last season, forming a highly productive partnership with future first ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner that spearheaded a remarkable culture shift.
Luvu earned second-team All-Pro honors in his first season with the Commanders. He was seen as a possible long-term cornerstone piece, but a shift in responsibilities has significantly diminished the Washington State product's influence.
With so many injuries on the defensive front, Luvu is spending more time as an edge rusher. It's been a mixed bag, and it's also made the player more hesitant in an uncomfortable role. That cannot be the case moving forward.
Dan Quinn must return Luvu to the position he knows best. He's got proven credentials as a forceful off-ball linebacker, using his dynamism and instincts to make plays consistently. That has gotten lost this season, and the Commanders are suffering greatly.
This would leave the Commanders even shorter of pass-rushing options on the edge, but it's not like they are generating consistent pressure even with Luvu helping out. Quinn needs to return to basics, so returning him to his second-level responsibilities should be enough to reignite the spark within.
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
The Commanders thought they got a steal when Johnny Newton slipped through the cracks and into their lap at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. But almost two years into his professional career, the interior defensive lineman remains something of an enigma.
Newton's flashes indicate there is something to work with. The former Illinois standout lacks the play strength to be impactful against the run, which has restricted his involvement. Adding more play strength and technical soundness are the best ways to continue his development, and Dan Quinn must also find better ways to put his athletic skills to good use in the meantime.
Switching alignments — using Newton as a 3-4 defensive end or a 3-technique in obvious pass-rushing situations — could be beneficial. Maybe begin to utilize the second-year pro as a 4-3 defensive end moving forward, depending on the situation.
Nothing should be off the table. With Daron Payne suspended for Washington's international game against the Miami Dolphins after throwing a punch at Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, this would be a good time to experiment with Newton.
He might be nothing more than a rotational piece, but adding more strings to Newton's bow is only going to assist his early development.