The Washington Commanders hit the field on Tuesday for Day 5 of training camp. This team has a lot to prove in 2026, and it starts with the defense.
In 2025, the Commanders' defense ranked among the worst in the league in multiple categories. So, general manager Adam Peters set out to make some changes during the offseason. The new-look Commanders' defense looks significantly better (on paper) than it did in 2025. We won't know the full extent of that improvement until the season starts, but it's definitely going to be better.
One of the biggest topics around the defense right now is the green dot competition. Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles has said repeatedly that he wants the job, but also acknowledges that multiple guys can earn that honor
this year. Right now, though, it looks like the role belongs to Frankie Luvu.
For the “green dot” crowd … it’s still early, but Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw have both said that Frankie Luvu has been that guy getting everyone set.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 4, 2026
Here's what Kinlaw said:
Frankie, for sure," Kinlaw answered when asked about the voice of the defense. "Frankie for sure is getting everybody set, man. Me, I'm not vocal with it. I just try to lead by example, but I try to be more vocal here and there. I get so locked in sometimes, but Frankie, for sure. You hear Sonny, for sure. You hear [LB] Leo [Chenal], but yeah, Frankie, for sure."
Luvu, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano and Ale Kaho are all returning linebackers for the Commanders. Sonny Styles and Leo Chenal are the two newcomers, and it feels like a competition between the rookie Styles and Luvu.
Of the returning players, Luvu has the most experience overall. He entered the league in 2018 as an undrafted free agent, spending three seasons each with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers before signing with the Commanders in 2024. He was named second-team All-Pro during his first season in Washington. So, it's not surprising that the most veteran inside linebacker is the one currently calling the plays.
However, that doesn't mean things won't change. Styles is well on his way to earning a starting role and receiving starting reps, and he's proven time and again that he can handle whatever is thrown at him. With Luvu by his side, the two make a dangerous combination in the middle of the field. It's going to be an incredible competition to watch as training camp and preseason progress.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Green dot watch: Who is leading the way for the Commanders?
