Week 5: Frankie Luvu, Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu has been named the DC Touchdown Club Pro Football Player of the Week after his strong defensive performance led the Commanders to their fourth consecutive victory, 34-13 over the visiting Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

A free agent who signed a three-year, $36 million contract this offseason, Luvu was all over the field Sunday. He made six tackles with 2 ½ sacks and two tackles for loss and recovered a fumble as the Commanders held the Browns without a touchdown until the latter part of the fourth quarter.

“He brings energy to our team and unbelievable support, his ability to create disruptive plays and the physicality,” Commanders Coach Dan Quinn said. “Today, I felt his presence more rushing the passer. He brings a lot to our team – it’s the energy and the standards, the substance to him. It’s awesome to have him as the ying to Bobby Wagner’s yang. Bobby is the coolest cucumber and next to him is Frankie, who is wound up as wild and fun as you can get. It’s nice to have the balance of both of them doing their thing.”

A native of American Samoa, where he also played for the under-17 soccer team, Luvu played football at Washington State University. He made the New York Jets roster as an undrafted free agent and played three seasons there before joining the Carolina Panthers for three seasons.

He signed with the Commanders this past offseason. While the team’s defense started slowly this season, it has improved on a weekly basis. On Sunday, Washington held Cleveland to 1 of 13 on third down conversions and limited quarterback Deshaun Watson 125 yards passing.

“We put the work in all week and to see our fruition come to life, that’s the moment we’re having fun,” Luvu said. “When the plays are there to be made, I’m going to try to capitalize on them.”