Washington Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes Has Bounce-Back Game, Talks Being Benched

Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes continues to grow as he progresses through his first season in the NFL.

The Washington Commanders got a much-needed 20-17 win over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday thanks to a solid day from the defense.

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio's unit surrendered just three second-half points and secured the game-sealing interception of quarterback Mac Jones as the Pats were looking to tie the game late.

Right in the mix of the defense's success was first-round rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who finished with three total tackles and had two passes defended. This was a big step in the right direction for the rookie, who has had his struggles this season.

He was benched by the coaching staff and didn't play in the 24-16 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 15, but admitted he's continuing to learn from it.

“That was new. Something I had to learn and grow from it," Forbes said. " ... Honestly, not taking it personal. Going to work every day to work and get better at my craft.”

Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes / © Brent Skeen, USA TODAY

It's clear the entire team has some fast-growing confidence in him moving forward.

"Obviously, I was very happy for Forbes," Commanders quarterback Sam Howell said after the win Sunday. "He’s been someone I’ve talked to a lot throughout this year just trying to help him continue to grow because he’s such a good player and we all know he is. He’s just been in some bad situations and it was cool to see him go out there and play well today."

Commanders coach Ron Rivera echoed the fact that Forbes is playing with more confidence, but quickly made it clear that the rookie still has a ton to learn as he progresses through the second half of the season.

“He played with a little bit more confidence,” Rivera said. “He’s doing a lot of the things that we asked for. (But) he’s got a ways to go. There’s some detail things that he has to pay attention to, he must pay attention to, if he’s going to be a really good player in this league.”

Forbes and the Commanders will look to keep stacking successes when they visit the Seattle Seahawks (5-3) on Sunday.