Commanders defenseman Frankie Luvu benefits from Jayden Daniels’ infectious play

LANDOVER, Md. – Jayden Daniels remains the central player behind the feisty and suddenly unstoppable Washington Commanders. On a day when the defense took over, don’t get excited about the recipe of tackles and tequila.

The most recent shocking result, Sunday’s lopsided 34-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns at Northwest Stadium, featured numerous big plays from the star rookie quarterback. For the first time this season, Daniels wasn’t Washington’s driving force. For games like this, the Commanders signed linebackers Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner in free agency.

Despite being a silent partner for much of the Commanders’ celebratory season opener, the defense played loud football against struggling AFC North opponents. The unit, which last committed to opposing third-down conversions in Week 5, held the Browns to 1 of 13 in the final minute of the game. After allowing six touchdown receptions to opposing No. 1 wide receivers – at least one in each of the first four games – the Commanders’ secondary kept Cleveland’s top targets out of the end zone.

Then there were the sacks. Washington generated minimal pressure before Sunday with eight sacks in four games. Buoyed by a rare home-field advantage, the Commanders recorded seven sacks against the Browns, and other plays added more discomfort to an already confused Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson.

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Hey, Commanders fans, it’s okay to believe that. Really

Luvu led Washington in sacks (2 1/2), tackles (seven), QB hits (three) and tackles for loss (two), while also recovering a fumble. Wagner, who was credited with 1 1/2 sacks, threw to a Browns lineman for a takedown on Watson.

“I was definitely happy with the energy,” Wagner said of the sustained pressure. “We had some plays that changed the course of the game.”

The linebackers have recently helped transform the defensive group, along with the addition of new coaches, including coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and coach Dan Quinn.

“Bobby Wagner is as cool as can be in almost any scenario,” Quinn said after the game. “Then next to him is Frankie, who is as hyper, wild and funny as can be.”

Like most defensive players, Luvu’s stats were initially lagging this season. His aggressive presence remained a constant. On Sunday, pass rush skills increased dramatically. The former Carolina Panther, who said her postgame plans include tackling a bottle of her choice, tackled Browns running back D’Onta Foreman for no gain in the fourth and one from Washington’s 47 on the first drive.

The Commanders led 7-0 in the second quarter and stopped a drive that ended with a 51-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins. After cornerback Benjamin St-Juste made the headlines in coverage, Luvu sacked Watson on third down. No wonder Luvu got a game ball from Quinn.

WHERE MY DOGS ARE@budlight | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/U71AjdcK0F

– Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 6, 2024

“Given everything,” Daniels praised the leading linebacker, who signed a three-year contract worth up to $36 million in March. “He’s practicing how to play.”

The last part of Daniels’ comment is why Washington selected Luvu and Wagner, a 10-time All-Pro selection. The Commanders’ linebacker group struggled for several years, and these two immediately raised expectations for the unit and the entire defense. As they upped their game, Washington’s defensive production and intensity followed.

“I can honestly tell you, this is the hungriest group I’ve ever seen,” said Jonathan Allen, defensive tackle and Washington’s 2017 first-round pick. “Nobody here is happy.”

Compared to his three previous outings, Daniels wasn’t entirely above water, especially in terms of accuracy. He went 14 of 25 for 238 yards with one touchdown pass and one interception. His 11 incompletions nearly reached his total (12) in wins over the New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals, the latter two on the road. Washington played without wide receiver Noah Brown (groin injury) on Sunday.

The rookie’s second interception of the season came at the Cleveland goal line on Washington’s second possession, following a rare three-pointer early in the game.

“I honestly thought it was a bad start for the offense,” Quinn said.

And yet Daniels seemed unfazed. Admittedly, this is his basic emotional state and the underrated aspect of his otherwise spectacular abilities.

“There are plays you want back, but it has nothing to do with the last possession. There’s no way to go into that,” Daniels said.

He also took a nasty hit in the second half. And even though Daniels seemed to feel the pain, he stayed in the game.

“I wasn’t hurt at all. I exaggerated,” Daniels said as laughter erupted in his postgame session.

The rookie also showed those big-play elements. On the second drive, Daniels completed a 66-yard bomb to Terry McLaurin, who finished the game with 112 yards on four receptions despite fumbling a carry in the second half. Daniels later sent Dyami Brown down the right sideline for a 41-yard touchdown with 36 seconds left in the second quarter.

FIRST PASSING TD AT THE CRIME FOR @JayD__5

📺 #CLEvsWAS FOX pic.twitter.com/RF8N0D9W9L

– Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 6, 2024

The quarterback led Washington with 82 rushing yards, including a 34-yard scramble at Cleveland’s 6-yard line that set up one of Brian Robinson Jr.’s two touchdown runs.

“We left a few things on the table. A lot,” Daniels said. “It’s better to go back after a win and go over things again.”

Running back Austin Ekeler had a 50-yard run and finished with 97 yards from scrimmage after missing Arizona’s 42-14 win because of a concussion. Robinson, limited in practice this week by a knee injury, scored on touchdown runs from 1 and 4 yards. The offensive line, with rookie Brandon Coleman starting at left tackle, kept 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett off the stat list entirely.

Cleveland’s offense had little chance of keeping up thanks to Washington’s pass rush and coverage. The Browns crossed midfield just once in the first half after the fourth stop and trailed 24-3 at halftime. Watson only had 125 yards. His only touchdown pass, a 10-yarder to tight end Jordan Akins, came well into the second half. By this point, Commanders fans were already in celebration mode.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Allen said. “But there are still a lot of plays that we have to clean up.”

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Never being satisfied is a winning mentality. Washington has never held an opponent to fewer than 100 yards; Cleveland had 104 and averaged 4.5 yards per carry. Next week’s opponent, the Baltimore Ravens, will challenge the Commanders on the ground with two-time MVP-winning quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry.

Luvu and his teammates will soon focus on this duel. Expect a lot of celebration over the next 24 hours.

“I’m trying to capitalize on the plays,” Luvu enthused. “I got two (sacks) today. I’m going to focus on that and drink some tequila.”

(Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images)