Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
Frankie Luvu has been a revelation since joining the Washington Commanders. When free agency began, the dynamic linebacker quickly became a high-priority target for the new regime. The Carolina Panthers' complacency regarding a contract extension allowed general manager Adam Peters to swoop.
Luvu's been among the team's best signings. He's explosive, being deployed creatively within head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.'s scheme. His partnership at the second level with Bobby Wagner set the tone for others to follow.
The spotlight has been on Luvu a little brighter than usual around the media this week. He was criticized by some for his hit on Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. He was also the player around Eagles signal-caller Jalen Hurts when he went down with a concussion.
Accusations of being a dirty player swiftly followed. But if Goff didn't want to get hit, he shouldn't have tried to be a hero and engage. The Hurts incident was unfortunate, but there was no after-the-whistle malice attached.
That was an unwanted distraction for Luvu, but the former undrafted free agent out of Washington State is professional enough to focus on the task at hand. That involves keeping his eyes on Hurts and meeting Philadelphia's exceptional running back Saquon Barkley at the contact point.
Austin Ekeler - Commanders RB
This will be a hostile atmosphere and a journey into the unknown for the Commanders. Lincoln Financial Field is a familiar feeling, but playing for a place in the Super Bowl is not.
Leaning on experience is key. The Commanders have plenty of that after general manager Adam Peters' roster regeneration over the offseason. This will be an integral piece of the puzzle in pursuing another road upset in the postseason.
It's no surprise to see Austin Ekeler come to the fore. The running back worked hard to get back from a serious concussion sustained against the Dallas Cowboys. After taking a couple of games to find his football legs again, the former undrafted free agent out of Western Colorado came to life at the Detroit Lions.
Ekeler provided a nice change of pace option in the backfield. He exploited seams regularly and also emerged as a dependable option in the passing game for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to depend upon. The Commanders need all that and more versus the Philadelphia Eagles' vaunted defensive front seven.
The Eagles are going to generate pressure. Daniels' escapability will help, but keeping them honest with a strong ground game is key. Ekeler's role will be vital as a dual-threat complimentary piece working alongside Brian Robinson Jr. He has to produce the goods.
Ekeler might not ever get the chance to reach a Super Bowl again. Seizing the moment is paramount.