Commanders News: Emmanuel Forbes, Sam Howell, power rankings and OL growth
By Dean Jones
Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes' resilience
Emmanuel Forbes has been soaking in some well-deserved plaudits this week. The rookie cornerback turned in the best performance of his professional career by a considerable margin in Week 9, leading all first-year-pros in Pro Football Focus grade and making the most of getting significant reps once again.
It's not been a bed of roses for Forbes since becoming the Washington Commanders' first-round pick. One great game doesn't make a season either, so it'll be interesting to see if the former Mississippi State ballhawk can keep this up for an extended period.
When discussing his benching before retaking the limelight at Gillette Stadium, Forbes stated via Sports Illustrated that it was a shock, but showing resolve and learning from the situation seems to have worked wonders.
"That was new. Something I had to learn and grow from it. Honestly, not taking it personal. Going to work every day to work and get better at my craft."
- Emmanuel Forbes via Sports Illustrated
Hopefully, this represents the start of Forbes finishing the season strong and giving the Commanders hope they have another shutdown presence within their secondary. Something those in power envisaged when they became almost infatuated with his potential during the team's pre-draft assessments.
Playing the cornerback position is all about confidence. Make no mistake, Forbes should have bundles of that after a standout showing against the New England Patriots.