5 bold Washington Commanders predictions vs. the Browns in Week 5

Commanders offensive line holds Myles Garrett to one sack

If the Washington Commanders want to keep up their remarkable run of results against the Cleveland Browns, they must have a plan for Myles Garrett. The All-Pro edge rusher is still playing at an extremely high level despite dealing with an Achilles injury that is restricting him from a practice standpoint. He's one of the league's best for a reason, so this is a challenge Dan Quinn and his coaching staff must counteract effectively.

Washington's offensive line has been an undoubted bright spot through the first quarter of 2024. Tyler Biadasz, Nick Allegretti, and Sam Cosmi are a prolific interior trio. Andrew Wylie is performing much better at the right tackle spot. Veteran Cornelius Lucas and rookie third-rounder Brandon Coleman share blindside responsibilities and are playing extremely well.

Coping with Garrett is a different test. Restricting him entirely is an impossible task. But if the Commanders can minimize his influence by any means necessary, it'll allow rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels enough time in the pocket to go through his progressions and continue his historic opening to the campaign.

Garrett has four sacks in as many games to start the campaign. If the Commanders can limit him to one with a couple of tackles thrown in for good measure, that can be considered an accomplishment.

Frankie Luvu gains 3 tackles for loss

The Commanders' defense is still going through some issues, but there were signs of life over the last three-quarters of their memorable triumph at the Arizona Cardinals. One player who's coming into some tremendous form is Frankie Luvu, who's setting the tone and providing a spark at the defensive second level that was sorely lacking throughout Ron Rivera's four-year head coaching tenure.

Luvu was a high-priority target for the Commanders in free agency, and it's not hard to see why. The linebacker is instinctive with enough explosiveness to get himself to the contact point quickly. He's a nightmare for opposing offenses to counteract thanks to a unique ability to assist in all phases. He's also a strong motivational presence on and off the field, which inspires others to raise their performance levels.

The former undrafted free agent out of Washington State will be counted upon heavily versus the Cleveland Browns. They are a physical offensive operation that depends heavily on the ground game. Luvu must find a way to get around the football and make things happen to pile more pressure on quarterback Deshaun Watson.

If there was one knock on Luvu, it's that he doesn't have a tackle for loss to his name through four weeks. He managed 29 over his final two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, so gaining a few in this one would be a good step in the right direction.