Commanders News: Sam Howell, Ron Rivera, Emmanuel Forbes and Chase Young

Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines after another hugely successful Back Together Saturday occasion?

Back Together Saturday had a special meaning for the Washington Commanders this year. It was a celebration not of football returning around the league, but for fans of this once-proud franchise, it represented finally reuniting as one collective force after morale became sapped beyond all recognition under the previous ownership regime.

As expected, the headlines continued to emerge surrounding a team on the up. Among the stories generating debate include Sam Howell's burning question, Chase Young having a point to prove, Ron Rivera's appreciation, and Emmanuel Forbes producing the goods.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Ron Rivera's appreciation for Commanders fans

The injection of energy and surge in attendance throughout the first few days of training camp have been unbelievable. The Washington Commanders fanbase remains in celebratory mode after Dan Snyder finally packed up and sold the team, which isn't going unnoticed by head coach Ron Rivera and his players, either.

The figurehead delivered an inspiring speech to his players about fans returning and its significance. Rivera also got on the microphone to thank those who've come out and in some cases, rekindled their romance with a team that never left their hearts via The Bleacher Report.

"It's a big deal to have you folks back here. It means a lot. Being out here, our guys seeing it, it brings energy. It brings a lot of energy. And again, we need that going forward, we need you guys to keep being here."

Ron Rivera via The Bleacher Report

The Commanders are a sleeping giant who's been woken abruptly by Josh Harris' ownership group. What's important for Rivera and his players is turning this positivity into improved production when it counts.

Commanders impressed with Emmanuel Forbes

The Washington Commanders were fully confident in Emmanuel Forbes to the point of obsession during their pre-draft assessments. Based on the cornerback's performances since joining the franchise, those in power might have something special on their hands.

Forbes asserted his dominance in no uncertain terms over the opening few days of training camp. His ability to create turnovers has come to the fore and the No. 16 overall selection is holding his own in coverage despite being matched up against Terry McLaurin more often than not.

This outstanding consistency drew praise from head coach Ron Rivera, who stated via the team's website there's a good chance Forbes receives meaningful starting reps immediately and will shine as a result.

"I think realistic expectations are for him or at every opportunity he gets is to play and play well. He's a young man that works hard. He's a very smart, diligent young man when it comes to learning and trying to learn. He's got tremendous study habits. He does the things that he needs to do to put himself in position and then when you watch the way he plays, you see how he plays. He practices the way I believe he's gonna play and that's hard and smart."

Ron Rivera via Commanders.com

This is far better than many envisaged where Forbes is concerned. We'll see how he copes with the more physical aspect once the pads go on next week, but it's all systems go for the one-time Mississippi State star up to now.

If the same trend continues in the coming weeks, Forbes is a lock to start in Week 1.

Commanders DE Chase Young's point to prove

It's been refreshing to see Chase Young back on the practice field looking sharp and with a smile on his face. The last two seasons have been extremely difficult for the promising defensive end, who didn't get his fifth-year option picked up thanks to injury and a lack of production when available to the Washington Commanders.

Young isn't wearing the huge knee brace that became part of his uniform last time around. Things are trending upward for the former No. 2 overall selection out of Ohio State, but that didn't stop Bill Barnwell of ESPN from naming the pass-rusher as someone with one of the biggest points to prove in 2023.

"The Commanders declined Young's fifth-year option this spring. The hope might be that the move motivates Young, but the reality is the Commanders thought the level of play Young has shown so far hasn't been worth the risk of guaranteeing him $17.5 million for 2024, even when that's a relatively modest mark for edge rushers. With former college teammate Nick Bosa set to become the highest-paid defensive end in league history on a new extension this offseason, Young needs to turn things around to get back on track, with the $24.5 million franchise tag as a target for 2024."

Bill Barnwell, ESPN

This won't come as a surprise to anyone, least of all Young. He knows people are doubting his credentials - especially considering how he was perceived coming out of college - but the player appears highly determined to silence his critics and put the entire NFL on notice along the way.

Can Young attain these goals? It'll be difficult, but don't rule it out.

Sam Howell's confusing Commanders ascension

Ron Rivera and his staff are placing a significant amount of faith in quarterback Sam Howell heading into a season where many jobs are on the line. It's been a mixed bag for the quarterback throughout training camp so far, but the Washington Commanders remain steadfast in their belief he can provide the improved consistency needed at football's most pivotal position.

This is a lot to ask for a former fifth-round pick with just one start under his belt. Howell's growing pains are to be expected in such circumstances, but Neil Reynolds from Sky Sports highlighted the signal-caller's confusing ascension and questioned whether it was the right call for Rivera to make.

"The ascension of Washington's fifth-round pick from 2022 is confusing. Sam Howell looked decent in a Week 18 outing against Dallas, but not much more than that. Is he the long-term answer after just one NFL start? Washington have started 13 different quarterbacks since 2016 - most in the NFL. Howell needs help from new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Washington have topped 30 points just six times since 2018 - the fewest in the NFL."

Neil Reynolds, Sky Sports

Much like the situation with Chase Young, the one-time North Carolina prospect knows how many people are doubting him and wants to shut them up. The skill position talent is there to lean on and Eric Bieniemy calling the plays is another major asset, but this all comes down to Howell's ability to handle pressure and get this once-proud franchise trending in the right direction at long last.