The Washington Commanders are set to regain two important contributors against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4, with tight end Chig Okonkwo restoring a missing dimension to the passing game and linebacker Frankie Luvu reinforcing a defense preparing for Jonathan Taylor.
Okonkwo’s return gives Washington a legitimate receiving threat at a position that has offered little production through three games. Locked On Commanders host David Harrison and WUSA 9 sports director Marshall Kramsky pointed to the tight end’s ability to create better third-down situations while preventing defenses from concentrating exclusively on wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs.
Kramsky said the offense needs a third pass-catching option. He noted that the club had eight receptions from tight ends through three games, including two by Okonkwo before his absence. The Commanders have still controlled possession and run a high volume of plays, but the return of Okonkwo could make those extended drives more productive.
The matchup also presents an opportunity for Washington to test how much its developing offense can stress a bend-but-don’t-break Indianapolis defense. Kramsky expects the Colts to limit explosive opportunities and challenge Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota to consistently complete short and intermediate throws. Okonkwo can help in that plan as a checkdown option, a seam target and a player who can draw coverage away from Washington’s outside receivers.
Luvu, meanwhile, gives the front seven another player who can defend the run, rush the passer and contribute in coverage as Washington tries to keep Taylor, the three-time Pro Bowl running back, from establishing favorable down-and-distance situations. Monumental Sports reporter Mitch Tischler called Luvu’s return significant and said coordinator Daronte Jones’ system should put him in better positions to make plays than it did last season.
The availability of Luvu and Okonkwo changes the structure of the game plan. Okonkwo gives the offense a needed answer over the middle, while Luvu supplies a versatile defender for a unit that wants to force Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones into more obvious passing situations.
The Commanders will take those reinforcements into Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looking to return home at .500, with their ability to win third down and contain Taylor likely determining whether the trip across the pond ends with momentum.
Commanders News and Notes
– Tischler said Washington’s run defense should be positioned to make Indianapolis lean more heavily on Daniel Jones. He predicted the Commanders can keep Taylor below 91.5 rushing yards, an opinion that reflects confidence in the edge-setting work from the front seven.
– Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles has quickly become a central piece of the defense, according to Tischler, who cited Styles’ coverage on a Seattle wheel route in Week 3 as an example of his range. Tischler also raised concern about cornerback Mike Sainristil, saying opposing quarterbacks have increasingly targeted him.
