Commanders LB Frankie Luvu lays down gauntlet to rivals with bullish claim

It hasn't taken Frankie Luvu long to make his presence felt with the Washington Commanders. The linebacker opted to join Dan Quinn rather than accept an extension from the Carolina Panthers in free agency. He believes this is the place where his exceptional athletic attributes can be unleashed more effectively - something that could propel him to superstardom along the way.

Luvu is a ferocious figure at the defensive second level. He boasts elite-level instincts and explosiveness. He can generate pressure and is a dominant presence against the run. The former undrafted free agent is also improving from a coverage standpoint to potentially become the total package under Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s guidance.

This energy and passion for the game came across immediately at training camp. Luvu's approach to every drill, every play, is the same. It's not quite reckless abandon, but rather controlled aggression and giving everything to the cause. This commitment and inner fire is something the Commanders have lacked in their linebacking corps for years.

Frankie Luvu expects Commanders' defense to be a big surprise in 2024

Setting the tone is just the start. Luvu believes the Commanders' defense will be a surprise most don't see coming based on comments during an interview with Scott Abraham from 7News DC. The Washington State product highlighted the abundance of weapons at the team's disposal as a reason for optimism heading into their first campaign of this exciting new era.

"I think it will play out perfectly because they won't know what to do. We got JA [Jonathan Allen] in the middle. We got Clelin [Ferrell] on the edge, we got Dante [Fowler Jr.], we got DA [Dorance Armstrong Jr.]. We got a lot of weapons, you know. And to put a package in, to put a game plan in, where I kind of disguise. Everybody eats. Everybody is doing their one 11th and I've gotta make a play when the time comes. So, there's a lot of weapons man. I'm looking forward to this defense. Everyone is kinda sleeping on us right now and I kinda like it. And we all kinda like how everything is going. We're working and focusing on what we need to be better at, and when it's time for the lights to come on, we'll show out."

- Frankie Luvu

Luvu is going to be at the forefront of any success that comes Washington's way in 2024. His partnership with Bobby Wagner has the scope to be prolific if both stay clear of any major injuries. Having two enforcers making plays, communicating effectively pre-snap, and mopping things up behind the defensive front could be a revelation within Quinn's expansive schematic concepts.

It's not hard to see why Luvu became a coveted target for the Commanders this offseason. His two seasons as a starter in Carolina were outstanding despite the team's overall failures. Getting out of a struggling organization and moving to one with a bright future is only going to help enhance his credentials.

It's hard to envisage a scenario where Washington's defense doesn't improve in 2024. The coaching staff and personnel should guarantee strides in some capacity. While the bar isn't exactly high following last season's dismal efforts, Luvu is steadfast in his belief things can turn around quickly.

And make no mistake, Luvu will be the beating heart of it all.

More Commanders news and analysis