What does Dan Quinn think of Frankie Luvu's play in 2025?

The Washington Commanders have one of the NFL's worst defenses in 2025. You can blame some of Washington's struggles on injury, as specific positions, such as defensive end and cornerback, have been hit hard. However, the more concerning part for the Commanders' defense is the regression of specific players.

Three players come to mind: cornerback Mike Sainristil, safety Quan Martin and linebacker Frankie Luvu. Last season, all were significant contributors for Washington and appeared to be a big part of the future. All three have taken steps back this season.

Luvu was second on the Commanders with eight sacks last season. He was excellent in every facet, earning second-team All-Pro honors. Almost everyone predicted a huge season for Luvu in 2025, as he would have more opportunities to rush the passer.

That hasn't happened. Luvu has just two sacks this season, and he's struggled with his tackling at times. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., since demoted, repeatedly praised Luvu, saying he was having a good season and stats didn't always tell the entire story.

What does head coach/defensive coordinator Dan Quinn think of Luvu's play in 2025?

"I think first at linebacker, like you want to see guys that can tackle, play square, are tough, and can impact the game. So, that part, that's what I'm looking for first," Quinn said. "You know, at that spot, the added value is the rushing, the blitzing. We've rushed him more as a defensive end as opposed to blitzing, and sometimes that's just by necessity. And so, you've had it all the way, you want to bring him from off the ball and do that more often. But that's where we are, and I'm very pleased with him. He's absolutely established himself as one of the leaders here, high standard of things we want to get done. I do love his versatility and having all the extra work on the edge will pay dividends, but the guy's got real natural instincts, and I can't say that, you know, in years to come will he be more off and blitzing possibly, but until then, like this is how we get down."

No coach is going to call out a player publicly. Well, most coaches wouldn't do that, and Quinn would never do it to any player. That's not his style. He's not going to tell you that Luvu has struggled. He has. It's obvious.

Luvu went from looking like a cornerstone player ahead of the 2025 season to a player who will play on the final year of his contract in 2026. The Commanders have several holes to fill this offseason and would prefer not having to add two linebackers. Washington needs Luvu to bounce back and finish strong.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn discusses Frankie Luvu's 2025 play