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.
DARRICK FORREST WITH THE INTERCEPTION OF THE YEAR @_Dfoe5 pic.twitter.com/jmccA70W19
— Barstool Cincinnati (@UCBarstool) November 20, 2022
It was initially ruled incomplete, but the officials got together and made the correct call.
What a play from Forrest.