Former New York Jets and Carolina Panthers linebacker Luvu is becoming “an even more diabolical pass-rusher,” according to Doug Farrar of Athlon Sports. Farrar “kinda figured that Dan Quinn would create situations” where Luvu could unleash a diverse rush strategy, such as the one he demonstrated during the 34-13 win against the Cleveland Browns in Week 5.
Luvu is performing in the capacity that many expected of the 28-year-old when he joined the Commanders during 2024 NFL free agency. His emergence as a Parsons-type is driving a significant improvement in the Washington defence, which has been overshadowed by the exploits of brilliant rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Dan Quinn Turns Frankie Luvu Loose.
Quinn doesn’t have much trouble capitalizing on Luvu’s innate ability to rush the passer. The latter leads one of the league’s more aggressive defences, while Luvu recorded 12.5 sacks in his final two seasons with the Panthers.
Things proceeded slowly for Luvu during his first four games with the Commanders, but the player and coach finally found the proper recipe against the Browns. Luvu had a tremendous day with 2.5 sacks, four pressures, and a “30.0% pass rush win rate,” according to PFF WAS Commanders.
Luvu wreaked havoc on Cleveland’s blocking schemes, much like Parsons did when Quinn was Dallas’ defensive coordinator. Quinn released Parsons from several positions near the line of scrimmage.
The same strategy is working for Luvu, but he isn’t the only member of the Commanders’ defence stepping up his game.
Commanders Defence on Upward Surge
Seven sacks, ten quarterback hits, and six tackles for loss demonstrated how Luvu and company overwhelmed Deshaun Watson and the Browns. These stats also reflected a significant increase in huge plays by Quinn and his team, which was led by coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
They both use a technique that relies on constant waves of pressure and moving elements up front. As Ben Standig of The Athletic described it, that combination left Watson “discombobulated.”
Confused and stressed quarterbacks overlook open receivers and make rash judgments. Keeping opponent signal-callers under siege is difficult for a Commander’s defence that lacks great edge rushers.
After trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat last season, Quinn and general manager Adam Peters needed to rebuild on the defensive end. Unheralded newcomers such as Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler Jr. have failed, but former Cowboys pass-rusher Dorance Armstrong Jr. has demonstrated dominance in recent weeks.
Armstrong was aided by the return to form of scary defensive tackle combination Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne against the Browns. According to Mitchell Tischler of Monumental Sports Network, they liked their work pursuing Watson, even playing rock, paper, scissors in the middle of the game to determine who got the best pass-rush opportunities on third down.
There has been improvement up front, but Luvu should continue to play an important part in how the Commanders rush the passer. His range and athleticism will be critical if Quinn’s defence is to have a chance of stopping reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson against the Ravens in Week 6.
Quinn’s increased creativity in how he deploys Luvu can serve as the foundation for a complex pass-rush strategy that will leave Jackson stumped.
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