The Washington Commanders are gearing up for an NFC Championship Game matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In the AFC, meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are taking on the Buffalo Bills. Of the four teams playing in conference championship games, the Commanders are easily the most surprising entry.
The team has reached this point for several reasons, perhaps none more important than rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. Daniels has surpassed every expectation as a rookie quarterback and appears to be only getting better.
Recently, Jim Wyman of PFF identified the best position groups among teams that are in conference championship games. Wyman listed the Commanders’ linebackers as the best unit among the four teams.
Regarding the Commanders’ linebacker unit, Wyman offered the following:
Bobby Wagner continues to deny Father Time, earning an 88.3 PFF overall grade to rank third among linebackers. Frankie Luvu has also been a reliable option for the Commanders, sporting a 65.3 PFF overall grade. Depth may be a concern, though, as Washington‘s other three linebackers have a combined 109 snaps between them.
Bobby Wagner’s 2024 season has been nothing short of incredible. The LB has racked up 16 tackles, 0.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery so far in the playoffs.
Luvu has been another great addition. The former New York Jet and Carolina Panther has racked up 13 tackles in two playoff games.
During the regular season, Wagner and Luvu combined for 231 tackles, 10 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and 11 pass deflections. As Wyman noted, the depth isn’t great, but these two veterans are as solid as they come.