5 mouth-watering clashes to watch at Commanders 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Rookies are already in the building for training camp. Established veterans will join them shortly as the Washington Commanders look to lay the right foundations for what will hopefully become a turning point for the franchise next season.
This is a fascinating time in Washington's illustrious history. The stranglehold and neglect under previous ownership is a distant, very bad memory. Scar tissue remains, but enthusiasm is building thanks to some sterling moves made to improve the Commanders' infrastructure from top to bottom in recent months.
The biggest positive of all for fans is winning. Washington hasn't done much of that lately. At the same time, extra competition for places and raised standards from the coaching staff should help everyone turn this once-sinking ship onto the right trajectory.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five mouth-watering clashes fans should watch closely at Washington's training camp in 2024.
Mouth-watering clashes to watch at Commanders 2024 training camp
Terry McLaurin vs. Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. needs to show out over camp. His rookie campaign was a disaster. But it's time to turn the page and see what improvements can arrive under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. - two accomplished developers of defensive backs with proven credentials.
Giving Forbes all he can handle is crucial. He's got talent, but the Washington Commanders don't know what they have in the former first-round pick. This is thanks in part to his early development being severely mismanaged by Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio.
The Mississippi State product is going to get a crash course in what it takes to be a prolific cornerback within Quinn's scheme in the coming weeks. Going up versus Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin frequently would be a good place to start - something that will also provide coaches with a broader perception of what the player might be capable of in Year 2 of his professional career.
If Forbes holds his own against McLaurin - which is no guarantee whatsoever - it'll be the biggest confidence boost imaginable. At the very least, it provides more experience going up against one of the league's most underrated wideouts ahead of a critical campaign.