Commanders studs and duds: Taylor Heinicke legend continues in Week 8 win
By Jerry Trotta
Stud: Darrick Forrest
It’s crazy what a year can do for a player’s outlook. This time last season, Forrest looked like a wasted draft pick. Through eight games of 2022, however, he’s established himself as a building block on the Commanders’ defense.
He’s still learning on the job, but his penchant for making game-changing plays is rare and he delivered big time on Sunday with a forced fumble on Jonathan Taylor with the Colts positioned to reclaim the lead with a field goal.
Dud: Dan Snyder
No explanation is ever needed, but FOX cameras caught Snyder in his suite at Lucas Oil Stadium. Nobody ever wants to see that, though the shot did prelude the broadcast discussing Jim Irsay’s explosive attack on Washington’s owner.
Anyone else nearly regurgitate their lunch after this scene? Yuck.
Stud: Kam Curl
With Cole Holcomb ruled out, Curl was assigned the green dot as Washington’s defensive play-caller and was rock-solid as per.
The third-year pro entered Sunday as Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded safety and he’ll likely retain that mantle after Week 8. Like always, Curl’s impact flew under the radar but his first notable play was a BIG one as he laid a pile-driver hit on Michael Pittman to keep the Colts’ receiver short of the marker.
Washington needs to extend Curl’s contract in the offseason.
Dud: 4th Down play calling
Folks, what on earth was this?
It’d be silly (and hypocritical) of us to criticize the decision to go for a 4th and 1 near midfield after we took issue with the lack of urgency before halftime, but this is the absolute worst formation to draw up in this scenario. At least run a RPO. The offense needed one yard and Brian Robinson started nearly eight yards behind the line of scrimmage and was swarmed without a chance to get the first.
The Colts kicked a field goal after taking over on downs. Bad all around.