Commanders News: Sam Howell, Magic Johnson, Ron Rivera and Michael Irvin

Looking closer at the latest Commanders news and rumors from around the media.
Ron Rivera
Ron Rivera / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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Ron Rivera's confidence in Commanders CB

It didn't take a genius to figure out either during the game or upon further examination of the film that Emmanuel Forbes struggled in Week 4. The Washington Commanders tasked him with significant responsibilities against A.J. Brown, but the stud wideout had his way with the rookie cornerback almost from start to finish.

Forbes had some nice moments, but Brown's physicality and elite route-running gave the former Mississippi State star his welcome to the NFL moment. Something that the defensive back must learn from in the hope of making a valuable contribution moving forward.

Not every rookie has a Sauce Gardner-type impact. Most go through growing pains, but Ron Rivera is hopeful that the No. 16 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft can grow from this disappointing outing based on his comments via Washington's website.

"They're gonna make mistakes, but they're gonna grow,. A week ago, Sam [Howell] had some issues, and I thought he did a nice job coming out this week. I expect Emmanuel [Forbes] to learn from what just happened. We've gotta get takeaways. It's a big part of what can help us win football games."

Ron Rivera via Commanders.com

Forbes has the talent to bounce back positively. But it wouldn't be a shock to see other teams target the first-year-pro in a similar fashion to what the Philadelphia Eagles schemed up on Sunday.