5 surprising standouts from Commanders' blowout win vs. Panthers in Week 7
By Dean Jones
Dan Quinn must be thrilled by the response he received from his players during their Week 7 obliteration of the Carolina Panthers. This was a complete team effort. They comfortably dealt with one of the league's bottom feeders once again. It was another sign that the Washington Commanders were heading in the right direction under the new regime.
The Panthers aren't exactly world-beaters, which is being kind. Even so, the way Quinn kept his team focused and composed despite being heavily favored and having injury issues to contend with was immensely pleasing.
Washington will be hoping for good news about Jayden Daniels' rib injury. Brandon Coleman also adds his name to the growing list of health complications Quinn is dealing with. However, the professionalism and improved culture being installed by those in power are having the desired effect much sooner than expected.
With this in mind, here are five surprising standouts from Washington's impressive success over the Panthers at Northwest Stadium in Week 7.
Surprising standouts from Commanders' blowout win over the Panthers
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Commanders CB
Credit where it's due.
Just one week removed from being a healthy scratch at the Baltimore Ravens, cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. got 67 percent of defensive snaps in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers. The Washington Commanders had the game won by half-time, which helped, but the former first-round pick turned in a pleasing effort nonetheless.
Forbes even got in on the act when things were relatively competitive. The undersized defensive back came down with an interception - Andy Dalton's second of the afternoon - to put the exclamation point on proceedings. This was no doubt a major confidence boost for the player after a difficult campaign so far.
The Commanders aren't willing to give up on Forbes just yet. They are taking things slowly with the Mississippi State product, but it won't take long for opinions to change if he builds on arguably the best performance of his professional career to date.