The Detroit Lions were hoping for a smoother path heading into Week 10, but those plans just hit a snag. After a tough loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit was eyeing its matchup with the Washington Commanders as an opportunity to bounce back. With Washington losing rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to a dislocated elbow, the matchup looked favorable — until a late development changed things.
Earlier this week, Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu was handed a one-game suspension for multiple violations of the NFL’s rule against hip-drop tackles following a hit on Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That ruling meant he would have missed the Lions game. However, according to NFL Senior Vice President of Football & International Communications Michael Signora, hearing officer Derrick Brooks overturned the suspension, converting it into a $100,000 fine. The decision keeps Luvu eligible for Sunday — and forces Detroit to rework its game plan on short notice.
Detroit’s Offensive Line Faces New Challenges
The Lions’ offense has plenty to clean up after last week’s loss. Pressure up the middle was a recurring issue, with Christian Mahogany and Graham Glasgow combining to allow five pressures, per Pro Football Focus. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs also struggled in pass protection, giving up seven pressures on just 15 blocking snaps.
Those weaknesses could be exactly what Washington targets. The Commanders blitz on roughly 25% of their defensive plays, according to Pro Football Reference, and Luvu is often the one leading those pressure packages. While his pass-rush numbers are down compared to last season — when he posted 42 pressures and eight sacks — his presence still adds a disruptive element to Washington’s front seven.
Defensive-minded head coach Dan Quinn could look to exploit Detroit’s interior protection, an area that has been vulnerable lately. Without the suspension, that task just became much easier for Washington.
Detroit’s Countermoves
Head coach Dan Campbell hinted that lineup changes could be coming after Mahogany’s recent injury. The Lions might look to reinforce their pass blocking by giving David Montgomery a larger role in protection, particularly after Gibbs’ struggles.
Detroit believed it had caught a break when Luvu’s suspension was announced earlier this week — but with the punishment overturned, that advantage has vanished. Instead of watching from home, Luvu will now be lining up across from the Lions’ offensive line, ready to make an impact in what suddenly looks like a much tougher matchup.
