They signed Von Miller to answer doubts about their pass rush, but the Washington Commanders can also count on a non-quarterback MVP reaching double-digit sacks for the first time in his career.
It’s versatile, off-ball linebacker Frankie Luvu who’s in for the statistical boost, according to Bryan Manning of Commanders Wire. Manning believes former Buffalo Bills edge-rusher “Miller’s signing will not impact Luvu’s usage as a pass rusher. Luvu was all over Washington’s defense last season and established himself as a villain to Philly fans. That’s how you know you’ve arrived. Expect Luvu to hit the double-digit mark in sacks in 2025.”
Miller may not alter how often Luvu is used as a pass-rusher, but he will take attention away from the best blitzing playmaker on the roster. Luvu’s ongoing spat with NFC East rivals the Philadelphia Eagles may endear him to many fans in Washington, but the real reason to cheer will be seeing the 28-year-old make good on Manning’s prediction.
If he does, Luvu will have done his bit to turn pass rush from a perceived weakness into a team strength. Fortunately, key work this offseason provides good reason to believe Luvu is primed to take a leap generating pressure.
Frankie Luvu Adding to Skills for Commanders
Luvu recorded a career-high eight sacks in 2024, but he was mostly used as a blitzing linebacker. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. sent Luvu on the blitz 123 times, per Pro Football Reference, more than double his previous high tally.
Having Luvu win more often as a conventional pass-rusher would offset the Commanders’ lack of bluechip edge-rushers. It’s good news then he’s been learning how to beat blockers from franchise sack leader Ryan Kerrigan, per 106.7 The Fan’s Lynnell Willingham.
Adding to his hands technique and repertoire of counter moves is the next step toward Luvu becoming a more refined pass-rusher. It will mean he can be sent off the edge in obvious passing situations.
Having Luvu join Miller as bookend edge-rushers for third-down work would not only increase Luvu’s chances of posting double-digit sacks. It would also enhance Washington’s ability to rush four and still disrupt quarterbacks when it counts.
Von Miller Will Expand Commanders’ Pass-Rush Schemes
Miller is purely an edge-rusher entering his 14th NFL season, but the 36-year-old is still winning with speed. He posted “the quickest pass rush get-off in the NFL (0.69 seconds, min. 150 pass rushes),” per Next Gen Stats.
This number proves Miller is worth the money and incentives the Commanders are paying him. Miller can boost his value further by helping Quinn and Whitt Jr. to put more dynamic athletes onto the field for passing downs.
Having Miller and Luvu bracket versatile defensive ends Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Deatrich Wise Jr., would give Washington’s defense the necessary speed to quickly disrupt vertical pass concepts in long-yardage situations.
It’s just one way Miller’s presence will add variety to the ways the Commanders go after quarterbacks. Using his experience as an off-ball linebacker from earlier in his decorated career with the Denver Broncos, and having Miller mug into the A-gaps with Luvu, either side of a center, is a blitz look few teams will know how to counter.
Both scenarios are good news for Luvu and his prospects for achieving a statistical landmark.
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