Week 1 is only days away for the Washington Commanders, who'll head to take on the Philadelphia Eagles with an upset on their minds.
They'll need all hands on deck, especially when it comes to a defense that expects to be much improved under new coordinator Daronte Jones. And the linebacker dynamic is especially interesting.
Washington's revamped linebacker corps will be a major part of that transformation. The Commanders will run a new 3-4 scheme under Jones, which should bring considerably more pressure than Joe Whitt Jr. managed.
Commanders are about to show their hand with intriguing linebacker dynamic
New additions Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson are ideally set to return from camp injuries as starting outside linebackers, while the inside group features No. 7 overall pick Sonny Styles.
Leo Chenal was also signed in free agency, with the expectation that he would start alongside Styles. The reveal of the Commanders' Week 1 depth chart claims otherwise, hinting at an intriguing plan for Washington's second-level interior.
Chenal can do a little bit of everything. He's quick, athletic, and has strong football smarts. The Kansas City Chiefs used him as a Swiss-army-knife rotational piece, and it looks like the Commanders will feature him in a similar manner.
On paper, it would seem more sensible to pair Styles with Chenal than with Luvu, because their profiles aren't as redundant.
The 2024 second-team All-Pro had a down season last year, largely because he played out of position for much of the campaign. Many assumed he would take a reserve role this fall to bring in his hard-hitting energy situationally. But that's now unlikely.
Daronte Jones has countless options to make Commanders' linebacking corps a real strength
However, Styles and Luvu could also work together, with Chenal as the utility backup. The undrafted Washington State product can set the tone while easing the learning process for the Commanders' highly touted rookie. Then, the Wisconsin native can come in and clean up.
Washington's approach shows that there will be room to experiment with different lineups depending on the matchup. Perhaps Jones will roll with the hot hand when necessary.
The options are endless, which makes it so exciting.
And it's been a long time since the Commanders have had anything like this at linebacker.
As a rookie, Styles might have certain situations where he's taken off the field for the experience of Chenal or Jordan Magee. Luvu, now in Year 9, might occasionally need a breather. And fans also can't forget about Kain Medrano, who figures to get more involved in his second season after only appearing on special teams as a rookie.
Regardless of how it shakes out, Washington's inside linebacker room is organized in a way that should benefit everyone.
Now, the players have to execute.
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