Things haven’t gone as planned for Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes. The No. 16 overall pick struggled during Washington’s three-game losing streak, allowing multiple big plays, including around 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles in Week 4.
Instead of benching the rookie, head coach Ron Rivera kept putting him out there, hoping that he would learn from his struggles. After all, cornerbacks, especially the good ones, have short memories.
But in the Thursday night loss to the Chicago Bears, Forbes struggled again, and Washington coaches had seen enough. While they said all the right things about Forbes, Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio weren’t pleased with his play.
Del Rio said last week how much he still believes in Forbes and that he just needs to keep working, and things will be fine.
On Monday, Rivera met with the media after Washington’s Week 6 win over the Falcons. Forbes was active for the game but did not register one defensive snap. Instead, veteran Danny Johnson replaced him in the lineup.
Rivera said he was impressed with how Forbes has handled everything.
“I think he’s been great. He really has,” Rivera said of Forbes.
“He and I had a conversation last week as to what was going on. Just explained to him that we feel right now a little time down would help you. Good chance to kind of take a step back and watch it and see how things are done, see a little different perspective. Again, he’s been really good so far, and I expect him to continue. He’s a young pro who’s got a lot to learn and a lot of growth to have, but he’s got a chance. We really think this young man has got a great skill set and can be a good football player. This might take a little bit more time.”
The Commanders can’t sit Forbes for long. He was a first-round pick, and Rivera sold everyone on how he was always their guy. He needs to play. Sure, a reset was probably good for him after a difficult stretch, but he should be back on the field in Week 7.
I believe Washington sat Forbes against the Falcons due to the size of Atlanta’s wideouts, which included tight ends Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith. It’s a big group and wouldn’t have been a good matchup for Forbes.
We shall see if Forbes is back on the field against the Giants.