7 Commanders whose stock is plummeting ahead of Preseason Week 2
By Dean Jones
Marcus Mariota - Commanders QB
Nobody should expect to see free-agent signing Marcus Mariota on the field during the regular season. The Washington Commanders will move forward with Jayden Daniels as their starting quarterback and new face of the franchise. Dan Quinn hasn't officially confirmed this yet, but it's only a matter of time.
Mariota will be the primary backup and veteran mentor to ensure Daniels is fully prepared for his upcoming challenges. The signal-caller will step in if the worst happens, but confidence isn't exactly high after an indifferent offseason up to now.
The former Oregon star didn't see much time on the field versus the New York Jets in Washington's preseason opener, passing just once for six yards. Mariota also reportedly struggled in the Commanders' joint practice according to those in attendance, leading some fans to speculate whether he could be a potential cut candidate.
That doesn't seem likely, in all honesty. But any slim hope Mariota had to start the season evaporated a long time ago. Something he probably realized would occur once the Commanders took Daniels with the No. 2 overall selection.
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Commanders CB
The second week of training camp was a complete disaster for Emmanuel Forbes Jr. This represented a step back for the cornerback after impressing earlier in the offseason.
Forbes was burned constantly by Garrett Wilson during Washington's joint practice with the Jets. This was followed by conceding a touchdown in their first preseason game versus Robert Saleh's men.
There were some nice moments from Forbes, but he's held to a higher standard than most as the No. 16 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Commanders brought him in to become a genuine shutdown presence capable of locking down one side of the field. He's a long way from that currently.
The tests keep coming for Forbes. Things don't get any easier this week against the Miami Dolphins, where the Mississippi State product is set to clash with the likes of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Not exactly the most enticing proposition for someone struggling to put a consistent run together.
This is a big-time measuring stick for Forbes. He must emerge from the next few days with some encouragement.