Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines with just one day remaining until their first primetime game of 2023?
This is a fast-moving week for the Washington Commanders. In a weird way, turning the page quickly from such a heartbreaking loss in Week 4 might be the best thing for this team, although there's just no telling for sure until Ron Rivera's men step out at FedEx Field to take on the Chicago Bears with the entire NFL world watching on primetime.
Thursday Night Football is almost upon us, which represents a big chance to make a statement and get back into the win column. Until then, the stories generating column inches include Emmanuel Forbes' growth, Sam Howell's shifting focus, where the Commanders sit in ESPN's weekly power rankings, and Week 5's atmosphere getting another major boost.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders announce Week 5 sellout
Despite the Washington Commanders being on primetime against the Chicago Bears, it hasn't stopped fans from packing the stands at FedEx Field. The team announced on Tuesday that the game is officially sold out, which is the third straight contest under Josh Harris' new ownership group that's carried the distinction.
Considering the Bears are currently 0-4 and without much going for them, it's hard to imagine many of their fans going the extra mile for a Thursday night contest. Therefore, an electrifying atmosphere awaits the Commanders on home soil as Ron Rivera's squad looks to end their two-game losing skid.
Hopefully, the fans can do their bit and drive their team to victory.
Commanders up slightly in ESPN's power rankings
As far as defeats go, it was hard to get too despondent about the Washington Commanders' loss at the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4. Ron Rivera's squad pushed the defending NFC champions to overtime and had it not been for a questionable call surrounding Terry McLaurin's catch, the result could have been different.
Moral victories are almost non-existent in the NFL. However, the Commanders can take plenty of positives from the narrow reverse heading into tomorrow night's game against the Chicago Bears back in familiar surroundings.
This was reflected in ESPN's weekly power rankings. Washington moved up one spot to No. 16 in the standings, although beat reporter John Keim highlighted the passing game giving up too many big plays as the primary concern through four weeks.
"Washington has allowed 11 pass plays of 25 yards or more, tying for second most in the NFL with Chicago. That's the same number the Commanders allowed in the final eight games of 2022. They've already allowed five touchdowns on such plays, two less than all of last season. A lot of it is youth: Rookie corner Emmanuel Forbes has allowed several long pass plays and was involved in some fashion, whether in man or zone, in four 25-plus-yard gains vs. Philadelphia Sunday. Coaches want the aggressive Forbes to be more disciplined with his technique."John Keim, ESPN
There are far worse teams than the Commanders right now. If the defensive unit can work out some unexpected kinks and the offense continues to progress encouragingly under Eric Bieniemy's expert guidance, there's nothing to suggest Washington cannot enter the playoff picture with a decent-looking schedule over the next five games.
Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes' growth
Emmanuel Forbes has taken a lot of heat this week. The rookie cornerback endured a tough time against A.J. Brown at the Philadelphia Eagles, but it's worth remembering this is one of the league's most physically imposing wideouts that can give nightmares to even the most seasoned pro.
Perhaps the Washington Commanders should have done more to assist Forbes, especially once it became evident he was finding life extremely difficult. There's nothing anybody could do about that now, but the first-round pick gets an immediate chance to bounce back on the national stage that Thursday Night Football provides.
When discussing Forbes' growth, Ron Rivera outlined that discipline was the biggest factor to work on during media comments via Sports Illustrated. But the head coach remained adamant that the best way for the Mississippi State product to get better is by getting on the field.
"I think they took an experienced guy and did some things. They ran that bubble and go and he guessed. You have to be disciplined. You have to read your keys and make your plays. Absolutely, it is the only way they can grow. Be out on the football field, make your mistakes, make your plays, learn, and get better."Ron Rivera via Sports Illustrated
Whether the Commanders put Forbes on someone like D.J. Moore against the Chicago Bears remains to be seen. Either way, we'll find out more about his mettle no matter who he's lining up against.
Commanders QB Sam Howell's shifting focus
Sam Howell received plenty of adulation and deservedly so after his sensational performance at the Philadelphia Eagles. And based on what we've seen from the quarterback overall since the start of 2023, those in power within the Washington Commanders made the right call by giving him a legitimate shot at being their franchise guy.
Howell's been quick to point out that the result is all that matters, not his individual production. He's got an old head on young shoulders and the signal-caller is clearly eager for his team to focus fully on their next challenge this Thursday versus the winless Chicago Bears.
When discussing the next test, the former fifth-round selection stated via Sports Illustrated that the Commanders won't be taking the Bears lightly. Howell also recognizes that any drop-off could come with severe ramifications attached.
"I think I did a decent job for most of the game. Obviously, we came up short and I would've liked to have made more plays and given us a chance to win. But Philly is over with and we're moving on to Chicago. Got a short week so been pretty busy trying to get ready to go for that but we're excited. Their record (0-4) is what it is, but it's definitely not a team you can take lightly. There's no easy games in the NFL. They have a lot of really good players on their defense and they fly around…We definitely have our hands full."Sam Howell via Sports Illustrated
Momentum continues to build around Howell and Eric Bieniemy is getting a better feel on how best to scheme things up for his new playmakers. Couple this with Chicago's difficulties across the board and it's not hard to see why the Commanders are favored at FedEx Field tomorrow night.