Tag: Frankie Luvu

Panthers ranked as bottom-5 defense going into 2024 season

Could this offseason’s losses take a major toll on the Panthers defense in 2024?

Yeah, we know what you’re probably thinking after reading the title of this post.

How can a defense that allowed the fourth-fewest yards last season be considered one of the very worst going into the next season? Crazy, right?

Well, not according to Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder.

Holder recently ranked what he believes to be the five worst defenses ahead of the 2024 campaign. In as the third-worst unit is that of the Carolina Panthers, who haven’t had one of their very best defenders on the field much:

With most of the attention placed on quarterback Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers’ offensive struggles last season, the fact that their defense allowed the fourth-most points per game (24.5) was often overlooked. A big reason for that is cornerback Jaycee Horn only participated in six games.

Horn has been good when on the field during his three-year career; however, injuries have plagued the 2021 first-rounder since he entered the NFL, as he’s missed more games than he’s played in (29 to 22). So at this stage, the South Carolina product can’t be trusted to stay healthy enough to help Carolina’s defense turn things around in the fall.

Also mentioned are the losses of outside linebackers Brian Burns, Frankie Luvu and Yetur-Gross Matos, the group’s three top sack getters of 2023. And while the Panthers are trying to replace that production with free-agent signees Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum, Holder doesn’t believe the new pass rushers will be as effective with a lack of other big-time talent around them.

We must also consider Carolina’s lack of big-time plays in 2023. The Panthers ranked last in both sacks (27) and takeaways (11) this past season.

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Commanders coach Dan Quinn explains what he wants to see from LB Jamin Davis

Dan Quinn discusses what he wants to see from Jamin Davis.

This is a make-or-break season for Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis. The 2021 first-round pick has had an up-and-down career through three seasons. Davis has shown flashes of solid play but nothing spectacular.

Washington turned down Davis’ fifth-year option for 2025 this spring, which meant Davis would need a strong 2024 season to earn a new contract from the Commanders. The bad news for Davis is that Washington signed linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu in free agency. That means an altered role for Davis in 2024, which is something he is looking forward to.

Davis is excited about playing for head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. His altered role could be more in the role of situational pass rusher.

Last week, Quinn spoke of what he wanted to see from Davis.

“Yeah, I think that’s a natural question,” Quinn told reporters last week. “At the end of a contract, or you’re in a contract year and what does that look like? But more important, even more than that is like this improvement. And we’re trying to really push him specifically on the versatility. So you’ll see him working some with the defensive line, you’ll see him working with (pass rush specialist) Ryan Kerrigan on the side, and we’re adding parts to his game that maybe we didn’t use and we’re certainly trying to explore that. And so, if that’s something that he can add value for himself and for the team, then we’ll dig in and that’ll take a while as well. That’s not something that’s in one practice or in one week to say, ‘OK, it’s there.’ Let’s take the time and work through it. I’ve been very impressed by his work ethic.”

Those are certainly some positive comments from Quinn. He sees something in Davis, and this goes back to his previous comments about finding the things players do well and putting them in positions to succeed. Davis is athletic and could thrive as a situational pass rusher.

 

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. can’t hide excitement about linebacker Frankie Luvu

Joe Whitt Jr. is fired up about Frankie Luvu.

If we’ve learned anything from new Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. in his two press conferences, it’s that he’s a no-nonsense guy. There isn’t a lot of smiling and joking with Whitt. He means business and is direct about what he wants and expects.

It’s a refreshing change. Whitt quickly became a favorite in his February introductory press conference when he said he expected his defense to arrive violently to meet opposing ballcarriers.

Whitt met with the media again this week and discussed numerous topics, including that he was not interested in naming a starting lineup now.

One topic had him smiling on Wednesday: New linebacker Frankie Luvu.

“Everything. What’s not to like about him?” Whitt said when asked about Luvu. “He is the heartbeat of what competitive, hard-nosed defensive football is about. And, I remember he said, ‘Coach, just tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll do it.’ And he goes as hard as he can, and I love that. He’s a fun guy to be around, a fun guy to coach.”

Washington fans are going to love Luvu.

Whitt also discussed the importance of fellow linebacker Bobby Wagner and his leadership.

Whitt’s weekly press conferences should be fun in 2024.

Commanders have two of the NFL’s top-ranked linebackers

Commanders have one of the NFL’s best linebacker duos.

When was the last time the Washington Commanders had a linebacker considered one of the best 32 in the NFL?

You’d probably have to look back at London Fletcher’s final seasons; he retired after the 2013 season.

Yes, Ryan Kerrigan played outside linebacker in Washington’s 3-4 defense over the years, but he was a pass rusher, not a traditional linebacker. Ron Rivera was Washington’s coach over the past four seasons, while Jack Del Rio was the defensive coordinator. With those two in charge, you’d think the Commanders would have had excellent linebackers, considering they were both very good NFL linebackers.

Rivera and Del Rio struggled to field good linebackers and largely ignored the position, except for drafting Jamin Davis in 2021.

New head coach Dan Quinn understands the importance of good linebacker play, and so does GM Adam Peters. In the early stages of NFL free agency in March, Washington signed Frankie Luvu (Panthers) and future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner (Seahawks).

Suddenly, Washington’s linebacking unit was formidable.

Pro Football Focus thinks so, too.

PFF continued its series by ranking the 32 best players at each position, most recently covering linebacker. Wagner (No. 20) and Luvu (No. 21) were included in the top 32.

Here’s what PFF said about Wagner:

Wagner is about to turn 34 and has just one season with a PFF coverage grade above 70.0 since 2018, but he remains one of the best run defenders in football. He has earned 90.0-plus PFF run-defense grades in three of the past four seasons — and six of the past eight.

And Luvu:

While he is somewhat limited in coverage, with his 67.7 PFF coverage grade in 2023 the high mark of his career, Luvu has become one of the better run defenders over the past three seasons and is an effective blitzer. He racked up 20 or more pressures in each of the past two seasons.

Peters and Quinn have completely transformed the linebacker position. Wagner and Luvu are two of Washington’s most important players. Luvu’s versatility will allow the Commanders to also use him as a pass rusher. Wagner’s impact has already been felt for his leadership skills.

Washington’s new linebackers — along with Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. — will have the Commanders playing much better defense in 2024.

Who are the Commanders’ top 3 players for 2024?

Who do you believe are Washington’s top 3 players for 2024?

The Washington Commanders will look very different in September. Washington has turned over half the roster from last season’s 4-13 campaign, and a new coaching staff is in place.

While there has been a lot of turnover, Washington’s top players return in 2024. Names like Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Terry McLaurin, Brian Robinson Jr. and Sam Cosmi are all back.

So, who are the Commanders’ top three players for 2024?

Pro Football Focus recently named the top three players for all 32 NFL teams. PFF named two of the above names as Washington’s top three.

Who was the other?

  • DT Jonathan Allen
  • WR Terry McLaurin
  • LB Frankie Luvu

Luvu is the 27-year-old linebacker the Commanders signed away from Carolina in the offseason. Luvu is a versatile player who can play as an every-down linebacker and also as a pass-rush specialist.

Here’s what PFF said about three players:

The only three defensive players to earn a season grade above 70.0 for Washington last year are no longer on the team. On the other side, the top offensive player was Jacoby Brissett, who is also elsewhere. You can see why the organization completely cleaned house.

Quarterback play has held Terry McLaurin back from truly being a consistent star, and even then he passed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the fourth straight season.

Jonathan Allen earned the lowest season grade of his career (60.5), but it was a clear outlier. The last spot goes to one of the Commanders’ many new guys: Frankie Luvu. Luvu is coming off three strong seasons in Carolina, especially as a blitzer.

Luvu could be one of the NFL’s best signings overall. He and the great Bobby Wagner have completely changed Washington’s linebacking unit.

Do you agree with the three picks?

Quarterback Jayden Daniels could top this list by season’s end if he becomes the player Washington believes.

Watch highlights of Commanders rookie LB Jordan Magee

Jordan Magee’s college highlights.

For several years, the Washington Commanders have largely neglected the linebacker position. This was a curious decision, considering the former head coach (Ron Rivera) and defensive coordinator (Jack Del Rio) were longtime ex-NFL linebackers.

General manager Adam Peters and new head coach Dan Quinn took one look at the previous linebacker room and knew it needed an overhaul. Jamin Davis is back, but even his role is uncertain.

On the first two days of free agency, the Commanders struck deals with Frankie Luvu (Carolina) and future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner. Luvu has been named as one of the NFL’s best signings, while Wagner will wear many hats for Washington. In addition to being a terrific player, Wagner’s leadership is exactly what this new regime needs to show a retooled roster.

In the 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders chose a linebacker for the future in Jordan Magee from Temple. Magee was a three-year starter for the Owls, leading the team in tackles during his final two seasons. Magee has average size (6-foot-1, 228) and excellent speed, but his college production and playing style made him an ideal pick for Quinn and Washington.

Remember when new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said the following:

“The way that we live is not for everybody,” Whitt said. “It’s not. We’re going to run and put our bodies on people in a violent manner.”

That fits Magee to a tee. He can immediately help on special teams and push for a more significant role in the future.

Here are some of Magee’s college highlights.

And more:

Who is the Commanders’ most underrated player for 2024?

Washington’s linebacker position is stronger than it has been in years.

Who is the Washington Commanders’ most underrated player? When you are coming off a 4-13 season, you could make the case no one is underrated. However, no NFL team has undergone more change than the Commanders this offseason.

New general manager Adam Peters signed over 20 free agents and added a combined 20 players from the NFL draft and undrafted free agents.

While linebacker Bobby Wagner has received the most headlines, and rightfully so, as he is a future Hall of Famer, fellow linebacker Frankie Luvu could be Washington’s most impactful signing.

Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire recently named every team’s most underrated player, and Luvu was his pick for the Commanders.

The 2023 Commanders were absolutely abysmal on defense despite a slew of top talent, which leaves the goat horns on former head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. To stem the tide, Washington hired Dan Quinn as their new head coach, and Quinn has a long history of turning defenses around. One of the primary instigators of that campaign is sure to be former Jets and Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu, who signed a three-year, $31 million contract with $14,625 million guaranteed.

Not that anyone would turn down those numbers, but if you ask me, the Commanders got a major bargain here. Luvu will be the tone-setter for the Commanders’ defense just as he was for the Panthers in 2023. Then, he totaled seven sacks, 20 total pressures, 84 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and he proved more than able to break off into coverage. In an era when linebackers have to do just about everything if they want to stick and stay as superstars, Luvu is already one of those rare beings.

Luvu, 27, is an ascending player coming off two excellent seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Luvu can play every down, drop into coverage, be a force against the run and rush the passer. Washington hasn’t had a linebacker like Wagner or Luvu in years.

If Luvu stays healthy in 2024, he will not be considered underrated anymore.

Where are the Commanders in ESPN’s post-draft power rankings?

Did the Commanders rise in the latest post-draft power rankings?

The 2024 NFL draft is over. NFL teams are now in the third phase of their offseason program and will have a mandatory minicamp next month before breaking for training camp in July.

NFL rosters are mostly set unless a team releases a veteran in a salary-cap move. This gives other teams a chance to add a potential starter, much like Washington did in 2021 with Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby McCain.

With 90-man rosters set, ESPN released its first power rankings since the NFL draft. After adding quarterback Jayden Daniels, did the Commanders move up in the power rankings?

Washington received plenty of praise for its draft haul and free-agency signings.

ESPN has the Commanders at No. 27, which is higher than where they ended the 2023 season. ESPN’s John Keim said Washington’s most improved position this offseason is at linebacker:

For the long term, they’re in a better spot at quarterback with Jayden Daniels. But he remains an unknown in the NFL. So for right now the Commanders improved their linebacking play considerably by adding Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. Wagner might not be a Pro Bowl, three-down linebacker anymore, but he led the NFL in tackles (183) last season, and Luvu’s pass-rush ability — 12 combined sacks the past two years and 29 tackles for loss — will provide a boost.

It’s indisputable that linebacker is Washington’s most improved spot. Former first-round pick Jamin Davis is not a starter after the additions of Luvu and Wagner. Davis will have a role, but it will not be as an every-down linebacker.

The future looks good for the Commanders, but, as Keim noted, Daniels remains an unknown until he proves himself on the field. If Daniels is the player that Washington thinks he is, the Commanders are in excellent shape for the foreseeable future.

 

 

The numbers prove Dan Quinn will make Commanders defense better

The numbers prove Dan Quinn will make Washington’s defense better.

The Washington Commanders have nowhere to go but up. Washington finished 4-13 last season and made sweeping changes this offseason, beginning with new general manager Adam Peters.

Peters’ first mission was to find a head coach. Peters and owner Josh Harris chose Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Next, the Commanders used free agency to flip the roster, signing over 20 outside free agents, followed by nine selections in the 2024 NFL draft and 11 undrafted free agents.

Washington struggled on offense last season under former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Quarterback Sam Howell’s once-promising season went south in the second half of the season. But Washington’s most significant problem was the NFL’s worst defense.

The Commanders were terrible against the run and the pass last season and couldn’t force turnovers or get to the quarterback. The previous defensive staff looked over their heads. Remember, Washington’s defense was supposed to be one of the NFL’s best heading into last season.

Not only was the entire defensive unit dreadful, but individual players took steps back. Pro Bowl defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne didn’t have their best seasons. Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste regressed after showing promise in his second season. Rookie Emmanuel Forbes didn’t look like he belonged in the NFL.

Coaching matters.

In Quinn, Washington hired a coach who will instantly make the defense better.

The Cowboys struggled on defense before Quinn took over in 2021. In three seasons in Dallas, Quinn’s defense was ranked in the top five of FTN’s total defensive DVOA each year.

Check out the following tweet from Warren Sharp, where he compares the Dallas defense under Dan Quinn to Washington’s defense in the same time period.

Under new general manager Adam Peters, the Commanders added multiple defenders this offseason, including dramatically upgrading the linebacker corps with the additions of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu.

Quinn’s defense focuses heavily on sacks and takeaways — areas where the Commanders have struggled. If he doesn’t have a dominant pass rusher, Quinn will find ways to create pressure, such as using Luvu or Jamin Davis more in pass-rushing situations.

Joe Whitt Jr. is Washington’s defensive coordinator. In recent years, Whitt has done wonders with several of Dallas’ young defensive backs. The Commanders hope he can work some of the same magic with Forbes, St-Juste, and others.

Regardless, Washington will be much better defensively in 2024.

Jordan Magee named Commanders’ best sleeper pick in 2024 NFL draft

More love for Commanders rookie LB Jordan Magee.

The Washington Commanders made nine selections in the 2024 NFL draft. The big news out of Washington was the selection of quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall.

However, the Commanders crushed Day 2 of the draft, coming away with five players, led by second-round picks Johnny Newton, Mike Sainristil and Ben Sinnott.

Washington had only three selections on Day 3, focusing on developmental prospects. One of those prospects, Temple linebacker Jordan Magee, looks like the perfect Dan Quinn linebacker.

Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire recently named a sleeper from all 32 NFL draft classes, and Magee was his pick for the Commanders.

Here’s what Farrar said about Magee:

Under new head coach and defensive shot-caller Dan Quinn, the Commanders had already picked a couple of first-round talents who lasted until the second round in Illinois interior defensive lineman Johnny Newton and Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil. Given the off-season signings of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, it wasn’t a surprise that linebacker wasn’t a key priority, but with the 139th pick in the fourth round, Washington did take Temple’s Jordan Magee as a move ‘backer who can roll quickly all over the defense.

A do-it-all player, Magee had six sacks and 20 total pressures for the Owls last season, as well as 54 solo tackles, 41 stops, and 12 catches allowed on 16 targets for 85 yards, 41 yards after the catch, no touchdowns, no interceptions, two pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 86.7. He’s not unlike Luvu, who has become one of the NFL’s best linebackers in three years with the Jets and three more with the Panthers. Luvu was a “too small” guy who went undrafted out of Washington State back in 2018, so maybe he can tell the 6′ 1⅜”, 228-pound Magee that it’s not how you start, it’s where you finish.

Bobby Wagner is a future Hall of Famer who will likely only be in Washington for a short time. Quinn wanted Wagner because he remains an excellent player and can teach the younger players how to win and be professionals. Quinn no doubt hopes Wagner rubs off on Magee.