Leo Chenal - Commanders LB
The Washington Commanders started Frankie Luvu and Sonny Styles as their linebacker tandem in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Free-agent signing Leo Chenal backed them up, but he was thrust into the spotlight when Luvu left the game injured.
Things could have gone better. Chenal didn't look comfortable, and the production dropped off with Luvu out of the lineup. There were also some critical communication issues in big moments, which cannot continue.
With Luvu's status for this weekend's clash against the Dallas Cowboys in severe doubt, Chenal could have a lot more on his plate. Stepping in wasn't a problem during his four years with the Kansas City Chiefs, so hopefully his performance will improve as he gets more familiar with his new teammates.
If Chenal starts, he's got a big job on his hands. Providing support in pursuit to contain Cowboys running back Javonte Williams will be a challenge, but he has the speed, size, and athleticism to make a difference if he can read the game effectively.
Williams was on a one-year audition with the Cowboys in 2025. He'd dealt with some troubling injuries earlier in his career, but the dual-threat force did more than enough for another financial commitment. And Chenal better be ready.
Rasul Douglas - Commanders CB
As mentioned, the Commanders will have their hands full with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb this weekend. And the recent decision to sign Issac Yiadom from the practice squad to the active roster suggests they believe they may need more.
That's to be determined, and there is no guarantee that Yiadom will even see the field. But with Mike Sainristil struggling for form and Trey Amos on injured reserve, the Commanders might give Rasul Douglas more responsibility in what's quickly become a must-win clash.
Douglas joined the Commanders this offseason and settled in well. He's aging and can get beaten by speed at this relatively late stage of his career. However, he is physical at the line of scrimmage, which is what Daronte Jones needs to make things as difficult as possible for Pickens and Lamb.
It might not work, but the Commanders don't have many viable options to counter this supreme threat.
Some extra veteran leadership won't hurt, either.
Douglas communicates effectively, knows how to move on from one play to the next, and has the mindset to keep plowing forward in the face of adversity. The Commanders will need this, but Pickens and Lamb have the athleticism to cause him untold problems.
Buckle up...
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