The Washington Commanders kick off the 2024 preseason on Saturday against the New York Jets. On Thursday, the Commanders and Jets held a joint practice in Florham Park, New Jersey, which gave us a preview of Saturday’s game.
By all accounts, the Jets outperformed Washington in the joint practice. The Commanders were sloppy in all three phases, although rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels had some good moments. Washington struggled the most in defending New York star receiver Garrett Wilson.
Wilson was phenomenal on Thursday. Defending Wilson throughout most of Thursday’s practice was second-year cornerback Emmanuel Forbes. This X post from SNY’s Connor Hughes sums up things perfectly.
#Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes — whom Garrett Wilson has already beat for two touchdowns, a sliding first-down grab, and now a long gain for another first down where he juked him to pick up an extra 10 — was just throwing hands at a couple #Jets players.
Jets didn’t take the… pic.twitter.com/aeZnxoxEB0
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 8, 2024
To put it mildly, Forbes had a tough day. We’ve written multiple times about how important this preseason was for Forbes, not because he was on the roster bubble but to prove himself to the new coaching staff.
Pro Football Focus agrees that this preseason is massive for Forbes. PFF named 10 NFL players who need a strong preseason, and here’s what they said about Forbes:
Another 2023 first-round pick whose starting spot seems could be in grave danger, Forbes will be under the microscope on every snap in 2024. After the Commanders signed Michael Davis and drafted Mike Sainristil, Forbes is on the outside looking in, sitting as a backup outside cornerback on the team’s initial depth chart.
In his debut year, Forbes struggled mightily, posting a 50.9 PFF overall grade and a dismal 28.4 run-defense grade. That final number certainly won’t fly for new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., whose Dallas cornerbacks flourished against the run.
Considering his CB3 status and early woes against Garrett Wilson in a joint practice, Forbes may have little leeway to play poorly, even in August. A bad preseason could mean an ominous career spell for the former 16th overall pick.
Forbes being No. 3 on the depth chart shouldn’t mean too much. At least that’s what head coach Dan Quinn said. Throughout training camp, the Commanders have rotated Forbes, Michael Davis, and Benjamin St-Juste at the two outside cornerback positions. Sainristil is Washington’s slot cornerback.
Regardless of his status on the depth chart, Forbes needs to have a strong preseason, and that begins against the Jets.