Tag: Darrick Forrest

WATCH: Commanders safety Darrick Forrest with an amazing interception

Darrick Forrest with perhaps the best interception you’ll see all season.

Darrick Forrest has become a vital defensive piece for the Washington Commanders.

The second-year safety from Cincinnati started at safety for the Commanders in the first two games of the 2022 season with starter Kam Curl sidelined. Forrest immediately made his presence felt, as he was arguably Washington’s top defender in Week 1.

Curl returned to his normal spot in Week 3, where he ranks as the NFL’s top safety, according to Pro Football Focus. That meant Forrest was often playing in the Buffalo nickel position in Washington’s defense.

However, in recent weeks, Forrest was playing so well that head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio made him the starter at safety opposite of Curl. Bobby McCain, who was the free safety, is now Washington’s slot corner. This was not a demotion for McCain, who has played well, but a way for the Commanders to get three of their best defensive backs on the field.

In Sunday’s Week 11 game against the Houston Texans, Forrest again showed why he is a terrific playmaker for the Commanders.

Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste makes an excellent play in coverage against Houston wide receiver Brandin Cooks, knocking the ball away. Then Forrest flies across the field intercepting the pass before sliding out of bounds.

It was initially ruled incomplete, but the officials got together and made the correct call.

What a play from Forrest.

The Commanders have the NFL’s top two safeties according to PFF

Are Kam Curl and Darrick Forrest the NFL’s top safety duo?

It wasn’t long ago that the Washington Commanders couldn’t find one reliable safety. Since the tragic death of Sean Taylor all the way back in 2007, Washington has tried everything at safety.

Washington signed veterans, spent mid-round picks, late-round picks and converted cornerbacks to safety, hoping to find a reliable duo.

Nothing lasted.

However, when the Commanders spent a seventh-round draft pick on Arkansas safety Kamren Curl in 2020, they knew they had something special. Now in his third season, Curl is not only one of Washington’s better players, but he’s also one the best young safeties in the NFL.

He isn’t the only young Commanders’ safety standing out.

Darrick Forrest was a fifth-round selection in the 2021 NFL draft. Forrest was an outstanding college player at Cincinnati but was often overshadowed by other defensive backs on his team, namely Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.

Forrest was injured for the first half of his rookie season and contributed mostly on special teams. However, he had a strong offseason that carried into training camp. Forrest started for Curl in Washington’s first two games this season and was a difference-maker.

Now, 10 games into the 2022 season, Forrest and Curl are quietly proving to be one of the NFL’s top safety duos. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Curl and Forrest are ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, at safety.

The versatility of Washington’s young safeties allowed veteran defensive back Bobby McCain to play in the slot, keeping Forrest and Curl on the field together on most snaps. Forrest has impressive range, allowing Curl to play closer to the line of scrimmage.

Quietly, the Commanders have built one of the best young secondaries in the NFL.

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Bobby McCain is now the Commanders’ slot corner

Darrick Forrest’s breakout season allows Bobby McCain to play in the slot where he has excelled in the past.

Do the Washington Commanders finally have the slot cornerback position settled?

Well, if you listened to head coach Ron Rivera on Friday, it appears that veteran defensive back Bobby McCain, who has played safety since signing with the Commanders in May 2021, is now Washington’s full-time slot corner.

This is not a demotion for McCain. Before coming to Washington, McCain played cornerback and safety for the Miami Dolphins for six seasons. The former fifth-round pick earned a contract extension during his time in Miami, partly due to his effectiveness covering the slot.

However, the Commanders needed him at safety alongside Kam Curl in Washington.

Now, thanks to the breakout season of second-year safety Darrick Forrest, Washington can move McCain back inside, and the entire secondary improves.

“Yes. Going forward, absolutely,” Rivera said when asked if McCain was the slot corner moving forward. “What that’s done is the one thing that putting Bobby there gives you is you give you the guy that can fit the run better than a corner. He’s a little more physical. Bobby’s also a very good blitzer, so if you go back and get an opportunity to watch it, watch how he plays what we call the apex. If you’re the slot receiver and you’re the tackler, I play the midpoint for my run reach, and if I see it’s run, I’ll fit inside the gap, and Bobby fits it downhill, and he reads it pretty quickly, he reads it.”

Rivera explained that, yes, Forrest’s play was the motivating factor.

“Yes,” Rivera said. “We want who we think are the three best run fitters for us on the field and it’s something that [defensive coordinator] Jack [Del Rio] and [defensive backs coach] Chris [Harris] and [assistant DBs coach] Richard [Rodgers] talked about.”

How does McCain feel about this move?

“Oh, he loves it,” Rivera said. “Oh yeah, he does it. It’s funny, but the safety’s like to get up into the box and fit the run. A lot of them do.”

This is the perfect scenario for the Commanders. Kendall Fuller began the 2021 season in the slot. He was better on the outside, and the coaches moved him back. Earlier in his career, Fuller was terrific in the slot.

This offseason, the Commanders moved second-year corner Benjamin St-Juste inside. As it turns out, St-Juste was better on the outside and, like Forrest, is having a breakout season.

McCain moving back inside to the slot makes Washington’s defense even better.

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Commanders DC Jack Del Rio pleased with the development of his young defensive players

Del Rio spoke about Kam Curl, Montez Sweat, Jamin Davis, Benjamin St-Juste and Darrick Forrest. He also gave an update on Chase Young.

There were a lot of questions about the 2022 Washington Commanders defense. For a unit that struggled last season, many were concerned about Washington’s lack of moves in the offseason to improve the unit.

For head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, it was all about the young players already on the roster taking another step forward.

Del Rio has continued to praise his young players during his weekly press conferences and on Thursday spoke specifically about several.

On defensive end Montez Sweat.

“I think like a lot of our guys, I think he’s putting in the work every day,” Del Rio said. “He’s been really effective getting a lot of pressure. Playing I think as good as anybody in the league on the edge against the run. He’s been really close on a lot of opportunities or situations where he’s getting pressures, and they could easily become sacks, and the numbers could jump, and then everybody is talking about how great he is doing. I think the effort, the energy, the commitment, all those things are what we’re looking for and when you do that over time, the numbers come.”

Del Rio has maintained all along the numbers would come for Sweat if he continued to play at a high level.

Safety Kam Curl is a player Del Rio always raves about.

“Well, I think he’s just continued to improve, maturing,” Del Rio said of Curl. “He’s always been real heady, real intelligent, and he’s a good player for us and so happy to see it. We use him in a lot of different positions, a lot of different roles, and he’s able to handle that. Part of that is because he is bright and so he’s been an important piece for us.”

Second-year cornerback Benjamin St-Juste has been a breakout player for the Commanders recently, but he’s been called for critical pass interference penalties in each of the last two games. Both calls could have gone either way, but Del Rio doesn’t want St-Juste to change a thing.

“No, I like what he’s doing. I like how he’s doing it,” the defensive coordinator said of St-Juste. “I want him to continue to challenge and play the way he has. I think he’s playing outstanding football for us.”

Safety Darrick Forrest is another breakout player for the Commanders, and along with Curl, two of the top-ranked safeties according to Pro Football Focus.

“I think Darrick has shown he’s got a nose for the ball,” Del Rio said. “He’s a physical guy. He’ll come down and really lay the wood. He’s active in the back end, so he’s played well for us.”

Of course, Del Rio was also asked about defensive end Chase Young.

“Working hard,” Del Rio said. “He’s working at it. So to me, the story there is when will he be back? And the answer is when he is ready. He’s working hard and we’ll put him out there when we think he’s ready to be productive and protect himself.”

That’s the right answer. The Commanders have played it safe with Young’s recovery and are not going to take any chances now.

But it’s expected that Young will make his season debut on Sunday against the Texans.

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Ron Rivera feeling good about his Commanders defense

Ron Rivera loves what he sees from his defense.

Ron Rivera likes what he sees in his defense.

“I think what’s been interesting is really not just what Jack [Del Rio] and the defensive staff have come up, but the way they’ve been using the different personnel groupings. And then with the injury to Cole [Holcomb]. Some of the creative ideas they’ve come up with and how they’ve used the different players. I mean, one of the things that we’ve talked about a lot has been positional flex. And when you have guys that can play, whether it’s safety and then come down the box and play the buffalo or a corner that come and play the nickel, a defensive end that can play like a standup Will linebacker and a three four. They’ve gotten creative with their guys and that’s been very impressive.”

“The play on the goal line against Indianapolis. He [Del Rio] called a specific call for Jamin [Davis] when he went downhill, went through the crease, and made the play. I mean that was a confidence play.”

Rivera coached with Texans head coach Lovie Smith as a Bears assistant and is familiar with what he sees watching Texans game footage.

“They want to be a physical running team, live off the play action and play stout defense. I know it’s very simplified, but you know, having been around coach, that’s kind of what we did in Chicago back in 2004-2006.”

Rivera is encouraged by the progress of second-year safety Darrick Forrest.

“You’ve seen him take that step forward on the mental aspect of the game, he’s a very bright young man. He’s very eager, he practices the right way. He wants to see it and walk through it. If he’s wrong, he wants to see it again. He asks a lot of good questions. ”

Rivera said when Chase Young returns they are going to be very structured and safe in how many game snaps he receives.

“It’ll be a pitch count and something we’ll have to monitor closely. Again, because the big part of it is, especially right now is you want to get as close as you can to live action and you really can’t. So we have to try and figure out how he can get as many good reps in these next couple of days to get a good gauge as to where he is.”

Also, Cole Holcomb is trying to get back into action as soon as possible.

“They had him outside running on the grass today. We’ll see how he responds. Because of the short turnaround, today was a walk-through practice for the most part to try and give our guys a little extra time. It was an opportunity for the coaches to, to dive into the first and second down practice day typically, which is what our Wednesday is.”

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Commanders’ top defensive player grades for Week 10, per PFF

Washington’s top-10 graded defensive performers in win over Eagles, according to PFF.

The Washington Commanders pulled off perhaps the biggest upset of the 2022 NFL season Monday night by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 32-21. It was Philly’s first loss of the season and Washington’s fourth win in its last five games.

The Commanders entered the game as 11-point underdogs and left as 11-point winners.

Washington’s defense had another terrific game in the win over Philadelphia. The Commanders forced four turnovers [one was on the game’s last play] and held the Eagles to just 264 total yards. A big reason for Philly’s lack of offensive success was Washington’s offense sustaining drives and keeping Jalen Hurts off the field.

According to Pro Football Focus, let’s review some of Washington’s top defensive performers. PFF grades Washington’s top 10 defensive players from Sunday’s game. Keep in mind snap counts do not matter. For instance, safety Jeremy Reaves only played one defensive snap but made the list.

Commanders’ top 10 defensive player grades for Week 8, per PFF

Jonathan Allen and Montez Sweat led the way for the Commanders.

The Washington Commanders forced two turnovers in Sunday’s 17-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately for Washington, it couldn’t capitalize on those turnovers.

Despite the offense not taking advantage of the takeaways, the Commanders defense put forth another stellar defensive effort Sunday. Indianapolis quarterback Sam Ehlinger completed 17 of 23 passes for 201 yards, but most of that was close to the line of the scrimmage. The Commanders held Jonathan Taylor to 76 rushing yards and forced him to fumble.

It was another dominant performance by Washington’s defensive line, led by Jonathan Allen.

Who were Washington’s performers on defense? Here are Pro Football Focus’ top 10 defensive grades for the Commanders.

Terry McLaurin’s teammates react to his performance in leading Commanders to win over Colts

Terry McLaurin’s teammates show him appreciation after the win over the Colts in his hometown.

In case you didn’t know, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is a popular man.

McLaurin returned home to Indianapolis for the first time as an NFL player Sunday and received a hero’s welcome from his friends, family and former teachers. McLaurin also made the play of the game when he leaped over Indianapolis cornerback Stephon Gilmore to corral a 33-yard pass from Taylor Heinicke to set up the go-ahead touchdown with 22 seconds remaining.

After the game, McLaurin was awarded a game ball for his efforts in helping lead the Commanders to a come-from-behind 17-16 win over the Colts.

In that video, you can see the love McLaurin’s teammates have for him. McLaurin is one of Washington’s rare bright spots in recent years, which is why fans have such a special connection with him.

After the game, multiple teammates took to social media to show their love for McLaurin.

Commanders safety Kamren Curl was outstanding in Week 4

It was a stellar performance from safety Kam Curl on Sunday.

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera told everyone how important third-year safety Kamren Curl was to the team’s defense. So when Curl missed the first two games of the season after undergoing thumb surgery, the Commanders missed him.

It’s no coincidence Washington’s defense has improved since Curl returned in Week 3. Sure, the Commanders have allowed multiple big plays, but don’t blame Curl. As a whole, the defense has gotten better despite uneven performances from starting cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and William Jackson III.

Pro Football Focus grades are out for Week 4, and Curl topped all NFL safeties with a 92.3 overall grade. In his two games, Curl ranks as PFF’s No. 1 overall safety with a 91.0 grade.

Curl isn’t just supporting the run well; he’s also been terrific in coverage.

The third-year from Arkansas isn’t Washington’s only talented young safety. Darrick Forrest is PFF’s No. 12-ranked safety. Forrest was outstanding in Washington’s first two games. At some point, when do the Commanders replace Bobby McCain in the starting lineup with Forrest? McCain plays exclusively at free safety, but Forrest and Curl have the versatility to play either safety spot, although Curl works best at strong safety.

Washington employs three safeties often due to the Buffalo nickel position. If rookie Percy Butler develops then Washington has three potentially promising young safeties.

When you look for bright spots in an ugly start to the season, Curl and Forrest first come to mind.

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Ron Rivera believes Kam Curl’s return allows the Commanders to be more creative defensively

Ron Rivera believes Kam Curl makes Washington’s defense more versatile.

The Washington Commanders enter Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles with some injury concerns. Two of Washington’s top backup defensive linemen, Daniel Wise and Casey Toohill, are out with injuries.

In a corresponding move, Washington elevated a pair of defensive linemen from the practice squad in Benning Potoa’e and William Bradley-King. Starting defensive end James Smith-Williams is also questionable for the game.

There is good news for the Commanders. Sunday’s game against Philadelphia will be safety Kam Curl’s first game of the season. Curl missed the first two games after undergoing surgery on his thumb.

In his place, Darrick Forrest started at safety and was arguably Washington’s top defensive back through the first two weeks. Now that Curl is back, the Commanders’ struggling defense can be more creative.

“Yeah, it will,” head coach Ron Rivera said when asked if Curl’s return meant Washington could do more things schematically.

“I mean, to be blunt about it. Yes. Because again it’s really the body type and [S] Percy [Butler], you know, although he’s a good young player with some athleticism, that’s not what he does. With DeFoe [Forrest], the ability to come down and match in the box. He has that ability. And when you have an opportunity to bring Kam back in, put him in, you know, where he’s comfortable it’ll impact us.”

Curl is a good player. He can play either safety spot, cover the slot, or move down into the box. Forrest can do similar things, and it’s always important to get your best players on the field.

Rivera also believes it will help Washington disguise its coverages better.

The head coach spoke on the similarities between Curl and Forrest and much it can help the defense.

“I think what it does too, is it gets us back to the original Buffalo we had going into the season,” Rivera said referencing the all-important Buffalo nickel position in Washington’s defense.

“Obviously, with he and [Forrest] both out on the field at the same time, what it gives is a bigger presence in the body. A bigger body and a bigger presence as far as safety is concerned in the box. So, you feel good about that. And then with those two guys, you could basically mirror left or right if you get to.”

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts presents a stiff challenge for Washington’s defense Sunday. Curl’s return is big for the Commanders, but they also need more from their cornerbacks, linebackers and edge rushers.

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