5 emerging building blocks from Commanders' electrifying 4-1 start in 2024

Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB

Hopes were high when the Washington Commanders struck with supreme conviction to land Frankie Luvu within hours of the legal tampering period beginning. The linebacker opted to take his chances elsewhere despite the Carolina Panthers making him an offer to stick around. It's early days, but this looks like a significant piece of business by the franchise in Year 1 of their comprehensive rebuild.

Luvu quickly emerged as an inspirational figure in Washington's defense. His explosiveness, physical approach, and ruthless aggression have been a revelation at the defensive second level. His partnership with Bobby Wagner is having a huge impact on and off the field. He's the sort of character that players willingly follow into battle.

The former undrafted free agent out of Washington State signed a three-year deal this offseason. While general manager Adam Peters went with plenty of short-term fixes in problem position groups, this signing had the long-term in mind. Luvu looks every bit the cornerstone piece and defensive lynchpin anticipated. His sheer presence is enough to alter offensive strategies. When the linebacker builds up a head of steam, very few can counteract it.

This is just the start for Luvu. Hopefully, he can continue his outstanding start and flourish further under Quinn's exceptional guidance in the coming years.

Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR

Luke McCaffrey has just 10 receptions this season, so the Commanders are taking things slowly with the rookie wide receiver. However, it's not hard to see why there is growing enthusiasm around the player upon further examination of the game film.

The third-round selection out of Rice has dependable hands. He's got a 100 percent catch success rate through five weeks, which is immensely encouraging. McCaffrey is also getting open consistently through savvy route-running, boasting one of the league's best separation rates among wide receivers according to Pro Football Focus.

Perhaps more impressive is McCaffrey's willingness to assist from a blocking capacity. He stands out considerably in this discipline, putting his 6-foot-2 frame to good use when the Commanders need him to set the wider edge on running plays and assist at the second level.

The numbers will come for McCaffrey once Jayden Daniels gets more experienced in going through his progressions under center. But the fact he's doing the little things well that don't fill up the stat sheet won't be going unnoticed by Washington's coaching staff that's for sure.

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