7 Commanders on the hot seat entering Week 1 at the Buccaneers
By Dean Jones
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Commanders CB
This is a crossroads campaign for Emmanuel Forbes Jr. The cornerback was recently praised by general manager Adam Peters for his development throughout the preparation period. This will count for nothing if the former Mississippi State star doesn't put everything together in a competitive setting.
Forbes knows there is a bigger microscope on him than most. He was a No. 16 overall selection who fell extremely flat as a rookie. What sort of role the Commanders give him in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hasn't been determined, but those in power would be wise to avoid placing the defensive back on star wide receiver Mike Evans throughout.
It would be a surprise if the Buccaneers' offense didn't test Forbes early and often when he's on the field. They've seen his film from last season and know mistakes could arrive. The signs coming from the franchise are encouraging, but there's just no telling for sure.
Forbes is embracing the test in Week 1. Talking about a big game is all well and good. Producing the goods in a pressurized setting is a different thing entirely.
Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE
The Commanders have to generate more pressure this season. This critical area dissipated once Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded in 2023. Their most promising edge presence - former fifth-round selection K.J. Henry - got surprisingly waived during final roster cuts and was scooped up by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Washington has a new-look unit to potentially improve their pass-rushing numbers. Clelin Ferrell was one notable arrival and should start opposite Dorance Armstrong Jr. at the defensive end position in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ferrell was a highly-touted college recruit coming out of Clemson. He couldn't live up to his top-five billing on the Las Vegas Raiders. Adam Peters got a good look at the lineman last season with the San Francisco 49ers. He was impressed enough to bring him to Washington.
It's been a solid enough summer for Ferrell, who's entering the last-chance saloon regarding his hopes of proving himself as a productive NFL starter. Getting off to a strong start versus the quality Buccaneers offensive tackle tandem of Luke Goedeke and Tristan Wirfs is imperative to avoid any unnecessary complications.