Washington Commanders Coach Ron Rivera Gives Advice to Rookie CB Emmanuel Forbes
Every rookie eventually has their welcome to the NFL moment.
For Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, his welcome to the NFL moment has spanned over two weeks.
Forbes was torched against the Philadelphia Eagles by A.J. Brown on Oct. 1, as he had nine catches for 175 yards and two touchdowns. Both scores came with Forbes in coverage against Brown.
Forbes also struggled on Thursday Night Football against D.J. Moore when Washington (2-3) lost 40-20 to the Chicago Bears. Moore torched whoever the Commanders had covering him, as he had eight catches for 230 yards and three touchdowns.
With Forbes' recent woes, Washington head coach Ron Rivera wants the rookie cornerback to focus on the basics and still has high hopes for the No. 16 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
A.J. Brown had a 59-yard and 28-yard touchdown with Emmanuel Forbes covering him.
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“Well, I think one of the things that we've got to continue to do with him and continue to stress is that work your technique, work your technique, work your technique," Rivera said. "The young man has a tremendous skillset, [a] little all over the place with his technique, work his technique. We'll continue to work with him just like we will with all of our young guys. You know, we really believe that a lot of these young guys have opportunities and ability. We just got to continue to work with them.”
Pro Football Focus hasn't had high remarks for Forbes. They've graded him at a 37.0, and have credited him with allowing 20 catches on 27 attempts through five games.
The Mississippi State product has an interception, five passes defended and 19 tackles, including two for a loss.
Forbes' struggles as a rookie cornerback are normal. Rarely does a player like New York Jets cornerback Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner come into the league and become one of the best at his position.
Every rookie is bound to reach a snag in their first season in the NFL. Forbes is far from the only issue on Washington's defense, which has allowed at least 33 points in its last four games.
Forbes will likely continue to take his lumps like more rookie cornerbacks do. It'll ultimately come down to how he responds and grows from it that will determine who he can become for the Commanders.
