3 winners (and 4 losers) from the Commanders' loss at the Buccaneers in Week 1
By Dean Jones
Optimism was through the roof for the Washington Commanders heading into the 2024 season. Optimism enveloped the fanbase following wholesale changes across the franchise under their exciting new regime. Looking at their opening weekend loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to begin the campaign, there is a lot of hard work ahead.
The Commanders were never really in the game after going down 13-0 early. Their defense couldn't cope with anything the Buccaneers threw at them and the offense looked disjointed on occasion. Not entirely unexpected considering the personnel alterations throughout the offseason, but it was a major reality check nonetheless.
This was not the start Dan Quinn envisaged. His squad lacked execution in almost all phases and was second-best throughout. Adjustments need to arrive quickly before Washington starts its home slate against the division rival New York Giants at Northwest Stadium in Week 2.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are three winners and four losers from the Commanders' loss to the Buccaneers in Week 1 at Raymond James Stadium.
Winners and losers from the Commanders loss at the Buccaneers
Loser No. 1
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Commanders CB
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was bullish about his chances of bouncing back following a disastrous rookie campaign. General manager Adam Peters praised the cornerback for his development throughout the offseason. Fans were taking a more cautious approach, eager to see what the former first-round pick would do in a competitive environment before drawing their conclusions.
Things did not go well for Forbes once again. He was sluggish in coverage to start the game and looked outmatched physically despite adding some muscle mass throughout the offseason. The Washington Commanders saw enough after the Mississippi State product was called for two penalties on the same play, taking him out of the firing line in favor of Noah Igbinoghene.
Forbes came back in during the second half, but his performance remained subpar and he was benched again. Reports of going to the X-ray room surfaced after the clash, so whether his torrid production was injury-related remains to be seen.
This was another catastrophe for Forbes. His hopes were hanging by a thread even before this game. A huge effort is needed to cement his future status in Washington.