The Washington Commanders didn't get off to the most ideal start against the Atlanta Falcons, but one player who needed a wake-up call was certainly up to his task.
There weren't many bright spots for the Commanders in the first half of their Week 4 matchup, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. A Falcons offense that never even crossed the 30-yard line against the Carolina Panthers last week looked unstoppable, eager to avenge this embarrassment on home turf.
The secondary has been abysmal, and the run defense has let Bijan Robinson have his way. The pass rush, though, has made a few standout plays.
Frankie Luvu's importance to the Commandersd cannot be overstated
Last season, Frankie Luvu was one of Washington's best defensive players, earning second-team All-Pro honors after amassing eight sacks. He became one of the tone-setters of the locker room, a physical competitor who struck fear into opponents and wasn't afraid to ruffle some feathers.
Luvu was off to a quiet start in 2025, with no sacks in his first three outings. He was more visible in the first quarter against the Falcons than he'd been all year, and finally made the big play to show for it in the second frame.
Luvu got to Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and forced what Washington initially thought was a turnover, but the passer was ruled down. Still, it ended up going down as a six-yard loss for Atlanta.
However, on the next play, the Falcons got it back and then some as Penix found Drake London for a 43-yard gain. The drive would end with Bijan Robinson making the Commanders' defense look silly as he scampered for a 14-yard touchdown.
If Washington is going to mount a comeback in this one, Luvu's peers will need to match the energy he brought in the first half. His intensity has been known to rub off on the Commanders' entire defense, but he can't carry them alone.