7 critical observations from Commanders 2024 training camp Day 11
By Dean Jones
It was wet and wild as the Washington Commanders tested their skills during a joint practice with the New York Jets. The two teams got some work in together ahead of their preseason contest, which took players out of their comfort zone and gave them a chance to impress against NFL opposition for the first time under head coach Dan Quinn.
This was a solid measuring stick for the Commanders at this stage. Positivity is higher than ever following a complete tear-down of everything within the organization this offseason. The Jets harbor ambitions to reach the postseason despite residing in a tough division, so the challenge was there for all to see.
There was some good and plenty of bad where the Commanders were concerned. More importantly, this will have provided Quinn and general manager Adam Peters with a lot to ponder with just a few short weeks remaining until final cuts.
With this in mind, here are seven critical observations from Washington's joint practice with the Jets.
Critical observations from Day 11 of Commanders 2024 training camp
Commanders have an Emmanuel Forbes Jr. problem
The Washington Commanders have an Emmanuel Forbes Jr. problem. But you knew that already.
After showing signs of life throughout the offseason, Forbes fluffed his line when going up against stud wide receiver Garrett Wilson. He had some decent moments, but they were fleeting. The former first-round selection did nothing to appease fans' concerns about his long-term outlook, which was always going to be half the battle following a disastrous rookie campaign.
Forbes gave up touchdowns and big plays. He got involved in a fight as frustrations reached boiling point. Accusations about giving up on plays were the most concerning thing of all. Something that won't be tolerated by the no-nonsense duo of head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
Something that I just saw that is completely unacceptable
— Lynnell Willingham (@Nell_BTP) August 8, 2024
Emmanuel Forbes beat in coverage
Instead of trying to recover, he puts his head down and jogs as the receiver catches the ball deep
A monumental effort is needed from Forbes in the weeks leading into Washington's season opener at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, the margin for error has gone from slim to non-existent after this latest horror show.