4 winners (and 3 losers) from first quarter of Commanders 2024 season

Loser No. 2

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Commanders CB

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. went through significant complications as a rookie. The apple of Ron Rivera's eye during his final pre-draft process as head coach was expected to come into the organization and immediately become a shutdown cornerback. That didn't happen, but the new regime believed there was something there worth investigating further.

Forbes came on as the summer progressed, which was pleasing. He wasn't the finished product by any stretch of the imagination, but the signs were promising nonetheless. Unfortunately, this hasn't transitioned into a competitive environment as yet.

The former first-round pick out of Mississippi State was abysmal in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Forbes injured his thumb soon after which required surgery. He returned in Week 4 at the Arizona Cardinals, but it remains to be seen what the future will hold.

A big effort is needed for Forbes, who is giving up 83.3 percent of his targets and boasts the dubious distinction of a 34.0 grade from Pro Football Focus as a result of his efforts. All hope is not lost just yet, but his aspirations beyond the current campaign are hanging in the balance. Make no mistake about that.

Winner No. 3

Commanders offensive line

The Commanders invested in their offensive line during the first offseason under general manager Adam Peters. This was almost a prerequisite upon taking the job after how things unfolded last season. There's a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead, but Washington's new-look protection has quickly emerged as one of the top-performing units on the squad.

The combination of a quarterback who gets the football out quickly, a blocking scheme better suited to their strengths, an offensive line coach - Bobby Johnson - capable of enhancing chemistry, and the improved personnel led to immediate enhancements in consistency. This protection is night and day from that which gave up the league's most sacks last season. It's come as no surprise to see the offense humming as a result.

Tyler Biadasz, Nick Allegretti, and Sam Cosmi are a formidable trio on the interior. Andrew Wylie is performing much better than anticipated at right tackle. The combination of veteran Cornelius Lucas and rookie third-rounder Brandon Coleman looks assured on the blindside. The cohesion in which this group is operating represents a big reason why the Commanders are on fire to begin the campaign.

If everyone gets a clear run of luck on the health front, they're only going to flourish further.