Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
Frankie Luvu propelled himself to legitimate superstardom last season. The linebacker thought linking up with head coach Dan Quinn on the Washington Commanders could take his game to new heights. What followed was beyond any fan's wildest expectations.
Luvu became the beating heart of Washington's defense. He was a relentless force alongside Bobby Wagner, earning second-team All-Pro honors and becoming the driving force behind everything good. Unfortunately, things haven't gone nearly as well to start the 2025 campaign.
The former Washington State star's influence has waned. Luvu's dynamism and instincts have regressed. It's nothing to overly concern just yet, but improvements must be made quickly with first-round running back Ashton Jeanty in the team's crosshairs.
He is being held to higher standards after emerging as a franchise cornerstone last season. Luvu has the inner fire and relentless work ethic to make the strides needed. The sooner that happens, the better.
Will Harris - Commanders S
The Commanders took a gamble by letting Jeremy Chinn walk to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. As the physically imposing safety gets set to go up against his old employers, this raises the stakes for Will Harris.
Washington replaced Chinn with Harris. He was significantly cheaper, and his previous connection to assistant general manager Lance Newmark offered reasons for encouragement. There is a long way to go, but the player's efforts have been nowhere near what the former Southern Illinois standout brought to the table in 2024.
Harris has just nine tackles. His 56.2 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 88th out of 111 qualifying safeties around the league. His one highlight was a forced fumble, but it's been largely underwhelming aside from that.
If Harris cannot raise his performance levels and Chinn excels at Northwest Stadium this weekend, further doubts will surface.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
Mike Sainristil was tipped for a major breakout campaign in 2025. The Commanders got some significant early returns from the second-round pick during his rookie year. That set a high bar that hasn't been met as yet.
Sainristil hasn't been a complete failure; far from it. But there is a growing sense that his versatility is working against him in the early stages of the campaign.
The Commanders have deployed Sainristil as the nickel cornerback. He's been used on the boundary and even occupied a linebacker spot next to Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner on occasion. This is a testament to his accomplished production and athleticism, but it has not exactly been a recipe for success.
Let Sainristil work as the nickel with Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos on the outside. This bears more significance this weekend, with tight end Brock Bowers capable of doing real damage.