The Washington Commanders are days away from opening Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and one of the most intriguing parts of their setup is sitting right in the middle of the defense.
Under new coordinator Daronte Jones, Washington is expected to look far more aggressive, with a 3-4 scheme that should create more pressure than Joe Whitt Jr. managed. That shift puts a spotlight on the linebacker group, where the Commanders suddenly have real flexibility.
Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson are set to return from camp injuries as the starting outside linebackers, while No. 7 overall pick Sonny Styles anchors the inside group. Leo Chenal, signed in free agency, was expected by many to line up next to Styles. The Week 1 depth chart says otherwise, and that only adds to the intrigue.
Chenal brings a little of everything. He’s quick, athletic and smart, and the Kansas City Chiefs used him as a versatile rotational piece. Washington appears ready to use him in much the same way.
At first glance, pairing Styles with Chenal seems like the cleanest fit, since their skill sets don’t overlap too much. But there’s also a path where Styles and Luvu work together, with Chenal serving as the backup who can slide in wherever needed.
That setup would let Luvu, the undrafted Washington State product, bring energy and help the rookie adjust while Chenal handles cleanup work. Luvu, a 2024 second-team All-Pro, struggled last season largely because he was playing out of position for much of the year, and many figured he might move into a reserve role to provide impact snaps. That now looks less likely.
The bigger picture is that Jones has plenty of ways to mix and match depending on the opponent. Washington can chase the hot hand, lean on different combinations, and use Chenal as a utility piece while Styles learns on the fly.
There’s even room for Jordan Magee to factor in, and Kain Medrano should see more action in his second season after spending his rookie year on special teams. Styles may come off the field in some situations, and Luvu could need occasional rest as he enters Year 9.
It’s a deep, adaptable group, and that alone makes it one of the most interesting parts of this Commanders defense. Now the challenge is simple: make it work on the field.
In Other News...
Commanders Face A Brutal Week 1 Test With Plenty At Stake Up Front
The Commanders are heading into Week 1 with a fresh voice in David Blough, who is set to make his NFL debut as a play-caller against the Philadelphia Eagles. Blough retired after the 2023 season and joined Washingtons coaching staff in 2024, and now he takes on one of the leagues toughest opening assignments with plenty of attention already fixed on how the offense will handle the moment.
Up front, the biggest question is whether Washington can hold together long enough to let that new system breathe. Offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton has been publicly confident in the group despite injuries to key players, but the Eagles are not the kind of opponent that lets a team ease into answers. For a staff still building its identity, the first test may come down to how well the line protects the entire plan before the rest of the offense can even get going. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Suddenly Have A Week 3 Quarterback Twist To Watch
The Seahawks quarterback situation has already turned into an early-season variable for Washington to monitor. Sam Darnold left Seattles opener injured and did not return, and reports now say he will miss Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, keeping the spotlight on backup Drew Lock after he helped push Seattle past New England, 13-10, in the opener.
For the Commanders, the immediate question is whether they get Seattles preferred starter back in time for Week 3. Darnold could return as soon as that meeting, which adds another layer to a game Washington may already be tracking closely as the early schedule starts to take shape. [Read more 🡒]
Tim Settle Could Decide Washingtons Biggest Week 1 Problem
The early-season test for Washingtons defense is already clear, and it starts with the run game. Philadelphia brings a rushing attack that can force a defense to stay honest snap after snap, and the Commanders know how much pressure that puts on their interior line and linebackers. Saquon Barkley is the kind of runner who exposes any hesitation, so the focus this week has been less about flash and more about whether Washington can hold its ground at the line of scrimmage.
Tim Settles return gives the Commanders a defender built for that sort of fight. His development has centered on better technique, and the staff believes he can help steady the middle by doing the simple things well, especially in a scheme where gap control matters so much. For Washington, the question is whether that progress is enough to change a problem that has already shown up at the worst possible time. [Read more 🡒]