Which Washington Commanders news stories are causing a stir with one day remaining until their Week 13 game against the Miami Dolphins?
Going up against the Miami Dolphins this weekend is a difficult proposition. One last effort is needed from everyone across the Washington Commanders before the bye, but containing an offense that's also getting stud rookie running back De'Von Achane returning from injury seems like a tall order despite firing defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.
Expectations are low, which isn't surprising. Until the daunting challenge arrives, the stories causing debate include Emmanuel Forbes' prognosis, Josh Harris' confidence, Eric Bieniemy's relaxed mindset heading into Week 13, and one of the worst decisions in franchise history.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Emmanuel Forbes will play for Commanders in 2023
The Washington Commanders officially ruled out Emmanuel Forbes for their game against the Miami Dolphins with an elbow complication. This doesn't help their chances of containing Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but head coach Ron Rivera was confident the rookie cornerback will suit up again this season after making good progress based on comments via Nicki Jhabvala on X/Twitter.
"Oh yeah. He's gotten better. We had a custom brace for him, he's been getting his treatment. ... Now it's just a matter of time. If we played next week (they have a bye), I believe he would play."Ron Rivera via X/Twitter
Forbes will get the bye week to rest up before being assessed again, one suspects. Although the Commanders have nothing to play for other than pride down the stretch, getting the first-year-pro valuable starting reps could aid his development.
Only if he's 100 percent, though.
Eric Bieniemy's mindset
The Miami Dolphins offense gets the limelight thanks to their explosive nature. But the Washington Commanders must not underestimate the defensive side of things in their quest to pull off a major upset.
Miami's secondary looks like a significant obstacle to overcome after All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey's successful return from injury. But instead of striking the fear of God into his players heading into such a difficult-looking contest at FedEx Field, offensive coordinator/assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy is taking a different approach based on comments via Sports Illustrated.
"The thing that we do, you don't coach your guys and put fear in them. At the end of the day, we got to go out and play. We got to go out and be the very best of who we are. And so, when it's all said and done with, we got to go out and execute our scheme and execute our job better than they're executing their scheme and better than they're executing, utilizing their God-given ability, but we just have to go play."Eric Bieniemy via Sports Illustrated
Avoiding unnecessary risks and establishing the run is of critical importance. If the Commanders can accomplish these feats, it should make things easier for quarterback Sam Howell in his bid to keep up with opposing signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins' passing attack.
Kirk Cousins decision slammed
One doesn't have to look far across Washington Commanders franchise history for bad decisions. They became commonplace and expected during Dan Snyder's disastrous tenure, which mercifully concluded before the 2023 season when Josh Harris' ownership group bought the organization for $6.05 billion.
John Keim of ESPN produced a fantastic what-ifs article surrounding the Commanders recently. Most of the scenarios centered around the quarterback position, with Jay Gruden slamming Washington's decision to let Kirk Cousins walk for nothing as one of the worst in NFL history.
"Kirk's age and what he's done and how much he was improving, it was a no-brainer to keep him. If he didn't want to come back, then you have to get something for him. This is a hot commodity. For us to get a conditional third is one of the worst things in the history of the NFL."Jay Gruden via ESPN
Cousins got a fully guaranteed contract for the Minnesota Vikings after two straight franchise tags in Washington. It was a constant stream of failed signal-callers following his departure, but Sam Howell's provided hope for the future thanks to some outstanding displays that currently have him leading the league in passing yards.
Would things have been different had Cousins stuck around? Possibly - but there's just no telling for sure with Snyder mismanaging decisions at every turn.
Josh Harris preaching patience for Commanders' growth
As the old saying goes, Rome wasn't built in a day. Josh Harris' ownership group knew they were inheriting a complete mess when Dan Snyder finally relinquished his grip on the Washington Commanders, so there's unlikely to be a quick fix as the franchise looks to rebuild the foundations for a successful future.
That was one of many problems with Snyder. He was always looking for the big slash, the quick fix that could propel the team but often blew up in his face.
This is not something Harris plans to implement. The billionaire reached patience in pursuit of progression based on recent comments via USA Today Sports, even if that means taking a step back to take three forward down the line.
"I have a public track record with Philly (76ers) and New Jersey (Devils), and generally, when you change a system, sometimes you have to do it. But you probably take a step back before you take a step forward. That’s not always the case, but I think generally, that’s what the statistics would show. So I think it’s important to be patient. We’re focused on winning football games for the rest of the season, fixing the stadium, and engaging with the city. I know (the name) is a topic that people in Washington want to talk about. But right now, we’re focused on the things that we think are really important right now."Josh Harris via USA Today Sports
Washington fans have been starved of legitimate success and a team to be proud of for years. But at the end of the day, this franchise must learn to walk before it can run.