Frankie Luvu hasn't practiced this week while nursing a groin injury. If the formidable Washington Commanders linebacker can't play in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, Leo Chenal will have to fill the void.
And after an underwhelming debut, significant improvements are needed.
Chenal was an intriguing free-agent addition this offseason as general manager Adam Peters looked to add more youth and athleticism to Daronte Jones' defense. His production when called upon with the Kansas City Chiefs offered reason for encouragement, and one indifferent outing is unlikely to define his stint in Washington.
Leo Chenal could be in line for a much bigger role on Commanders defense in Week 2
Luvu and No. 7 pick Sonny Styles started at the defensive second level. They formed an eye-catching tandem, keeping running back Saquon Barkley relatively in check while generating pressure on quarterback Jalen Hurts. But when Washington's inspirational leader was forced off the field, things began to unravel.
The communication was lackluster. Chenal looked unusually hesitant, not trusting his instincts enough. His run defense was inconsistent, though he was probably nervous as he looked to make an impact with his new club.
Now that they're out of the way, fans are expecting a different Chenal moving forward.
Even if Luvu suits up at AT&T Stadium, he won't be 100 percent. He may even be on a snap count, and the high-octane Cowboys offense has no trouble exposing weak links.
That makes Chenal's role integral.
And the pressure will be on to produce.
Frankie Luvu would be missed, but Leo Chenal has the tools to flourish
It's nothing that Chenal isn't capable of. The Chiefs' fan base and some experts were disappointed to see him leave after he became a valuable rotational piece and core special-teams presence. The Commanders believe he can become much more, and if Luvu is out against the Cowboys, he'll have the chance to prove it.
Luvu's inspirational presence will be missed, of course. But in Chenal, they have another athletic, sideline-to-sideline force who can make things happen.
He may not be Luvu. But Chenal can be more than serviceable alongside Styles.
Washington's defense has a steep task ahead. Dallas might be having some problems defensively, but their offense is among the league's best. There are playmakers everywhere you look, and unless Jones' unit is up for the challenge in every phase, on every snap, it's going to be a difficult afternoon.
Chenal has the size, speed, and physicality that look tailor-made for Jones' defensive system. He's got proven experience of stepping in at a moment's notice and coming up big. The Commanders will need all that and more against the Cowboys if Luvu can't feature.
And it'll be the clearest indicator yet of what the Commanders can really expect from Chenal during his time with the organization.
Washington believed enough in Chenal to give him a three-year, $24.75 million deal with a $6.5 million signing bonus and $12.4 million guaranteed early in free agency. Now, the 2022 third-round pick out of Wisconsin must repay this faith.
That will go a long way to alleviating concerns after a forgettable debut.
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