Frankie Luvu could reasonably call 2024 his breakout season, but something was missing. Something the do-all Washington Commanders' linebacker can finally find after learning from the right guy this offseason.
That would be franchise sack leader Ryan Kerrigan.
The latter's title of pass-rush specialist for this coaching staff was well earned after Kerrigan logged 95.5 sacks during 10 seasons in Washington. He's the right guy to be teaching Luvu what he needs to finally reach an elusive number.
Luvu's one of the best blitzing linebackers in the NFL, good enough to record eight sacks last season. However, he's yet to register double-digit quarterback takedowns in a single campaign during his career.
That can change in 2025 thanks to key advice from Kerrigan. Advice about a small move with the potential to yield big results.
Ryan Kerrigan adding another weapon to Frankie Luvu's game
One look at Kerrigan working closely with Luvu at Commanders minicamp, captured by Scott Abraham of 7News DC, shows what's in store for the best blitzing defender on the roster.
Kerrigan was instructing Luvu on the mechanics of the spin move. Mechanics like taking the right angle and setting his feet correctly.
A nifty spin is a good way for Luvu to win off the edge more often. Doing so will require offsetting the size difference that the 6-foot-3, 236-pounder faces against offensive tackles.
Leverage and agility are the equalizers in these matchups. Luvu can use both to exploit bigger blockers. For example, taking a particularly wide-angled rush and having a tackle lean further to the outside. An effective setup for a spin underneath and back inside.
It's a misnomer that the NFL's best pass-rushers have complex plans for getting to quarterbacks. Most rely on perfecting one or two core moves opponents struggle to stop, even when they know what's coming. The spin can be Luvu's go-to move and make up the ground to double-digit sacks, but it's not the only thing he'll learn from Kerrigan.
The latter dominated from a four-point stance, using a variety of swat-and-swim and dip-and-rip counters during his playing days. Cultivating more active and creative hand usage from Luvu will expand his repertoire of pass-rush moves and solve a still-nagging problem for the Commanders.
Commanders need more edge-rusher reps from Frankie Luvu
There are a myriad of reasons Commanders general manager Adam Peters should have signed or drafted an elite edge-rusher, but didn't. The presence of Luvu has to be one of the strongest.
The 28-year-old is already arguably the most efficient pass-rusher on the roster. Numbers from Pro Football Focus after a Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns summed up how effectively Luvu uses his pass-rushing opportunities.
He often blitzed inside gaps or ran stunts and twists to the outside, but Luvu also showcased an ability to put his hand in the dirt and win off the edge. Letting him do this more often will not only offset letting 2024 team sack leader Dante Fowler Jr. walk in free agency after a career year, but also make up for the lack of dynamic athletes still on the depth chart.
Defensive ends like Clelin Ferrell, Jalyn Holmes, and new arrival Deatrich Wise Jr. are all more adept against the run than putting heat on the pocket. Dorance Armstrong Jr. has the potential to take his pass-rush game up a notch, but it hasn't happened yet.
Maybe Peters dips back into the veteran market for a big-name edge before training camp, but Luvu's work with Kerrigan could convince the Commanders to save their money. It can also lead to a true breakout campaign for the most intriguing member of the front seven.
