The Washington Commanders have a long week ahead of them as they look to regroup from their primetime loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Washington struggled in all three facets of the game on Thursday Night Football. The offense struggled to move the ball, the defense looked out of sorts, and Matt Gay missed two field goals. You aren't going to win many games like that.
There's a long list of players and coaches who will need to be better moving forward. Near the top of it will be one of the team's most vocal leaders, who has been shockingly quiet through two games of 2025.
Frankie Luvu must rekindle the magic that took Commanders by storm
When Adam Peters made splash after splash in 2024 free agency for high-profile veterans such as Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, and Austin Ekeler, the addition of Frankie Luvu flew somewhat under the radar. But the undrafted free agent ended up being arguably Washington's most productive signing, compiling eight sacks and earning second-team All-Pro honors.
More than that, Luvu emerged as the emotional heartbeat of Washington's defense.
He was an enforcer who energized his teammates and struck fear into his opponents. Luvu earned instant icon status with the Commanders fanbase after taking matters into his own hands to stop the Philadelphia Eagles' infamous tush push during the NFC Championship game.
Luvu is the type of player who makes his entire team better when he's on his game. It's also why his slow start to 2025 is a concern.
Through two games, he has registered only nine tackles and no sacks. Luvu has seldom been seen generating pressure, and his name has barely been mentioned by TV broadcasts. If you're new to the Commanders, you'd have a hard time knowing he's even on the team.
If Luvu can return to form, it would go a long way towards helping the Commanders get right. Washington looked tired and unmotivated at Lambeau Field. They were desperate for anyone to provide any sort of momentum shift on either end of the field. It never came.
It ultimately falls on the coaching staff to have the team well-prepared and playing with confidence, but the example needs to be set by veteran leaders such as Luvu. He needs to be flying around the field, wreaking havoc, operating with the same infectious swagger he played with last season.
The Commanders' defense will go as Luvu does. If he continues to struggle, it will be a problem.
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