Washington Training Camp Spotlight: Week 3 Edition

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August 14, 2024

by David Earl

Emmanuel Forbes

There’s no doubt that Emmanuel Forbes Jr.’s rookie campaign was riddled with blown coverages and mistimed plays on the ball. The 2023 first round selection was highly criticized not only on his play but the previous staff’s usage of him later into the season when he was clearly overmatched. That was then, though; how did Forbes Jr.’s opening preseason game last week work out?

Forbes Jr. played on a total of 14 snaps (25% of the defensive plays) and his performance goes beyond the touchdown let up to which many believe summarizes his play. His final play of the game was in press-man coverage, inside the red zone, in which he allowed wide receiver Jason Brownlee to get a clean release. Although Forbes Jr. maintained step-for-step coverage into the end zone, Brownlee’s clean release to the outside and win off the line allowed for a perfectly placed ball for a touchdown. Not a good situation but should that play have defined his entire performance?

Forbes Jr. was 50/50 in terms of formation, as for 7 of the 14 total plays he was in press-man coverage. In addition to his touchdown play, 11 of the 13 remaining plays were designed runs.  In 2 of the run plays he was led downfield by the wide receiver, maintaining step-for-step coverage, but he was involved in 2 runs on his side and made a tackle on one to the plays. In the other 2 passing plays in which he was involved, his coverage was fine for the most part. His second play of the game resulted in a pass defense, as he never allowed a clean release off the line and ran step for step downfield with the receiver. On the following play, he lost an initial step on the receiver who ran a deep crossing route. However, Forbes closed in quickly and did not leave an no open window for the quarterback to target.

Does this mean I believe Forbes has turned the corner and is ready to anchor one side of the field as a starting cornerback? Absolutely not. He faced the Jets’ second and third-string players throughout the game, as well as an undrafted free agent rookie quarterback, Andrew Peasley, on the touchdown pass. However, the idea that he played a terrible game because of the touchdown he gave up is a bit short-sighted. Yes, allowing a clean release in the red zone was bad, and will have to be more aware of going forward. While keeping a bigger elite receiver like A.J. Brown in check off the line is asking too much for Forbes Jr., the second play of the game shows he is capable of success, depending on the matchup. The uphill climb for Forbes to claim a starting role is steep but his status as a first round pick and the lack of great competition at the position leaves the door wide open for him. Forbes was not terrible against the New York Jets, but he still has much to prove heading into week 2 of the preseason against Miami.

The Offensive Line

One of the most concerning groups on this team is the offensive line. Heading into this matchup, Washington was without tackle Cornelius Lucas, tackle Andrew Wylie, and rookie tackle Brandon Coleman, but despite that, they appeared to solid most of the game, albeit with the aid of some play calling by Kliff Kingsbury. The total snap count for this unit was as follows:

       Player Total Plays Snap Count%        Player Total Plays Snap Count%
Mason Brooks G 57 80% Alex Taylor T 21 30%
Julian Good-Jones T 53 75% Nick Allegretti G 14 20%
Chris Paul G 50 70% Trent Scott T 14 20%
Rickey Stromberg C 40 56% Tyler Biadasz C 14 20%
Braeden Daniels T 27 38% Samuel Cosmi G 11 15%
Michael Deiter C 26 37% D. Nwaogwugwu T 7 10%
JC Hassenauer C 21 30%

Aside from a bad miscue from Mason Brooks that left quarterback Jeff Driskel completely exposed for a hit by Jets defender Will McDonald, this unit did an admirable job. However, too many concerns have not been answered. Gauging by their percentage of play, Mason Brooks, Julian Good-Jones, and Rickey Stromberg seem to be the players about whom the staff has the most intrigue. Next week will go a long way in seeing who may appear as front runners for the back end of the depth chart, with Stromberg probably having the most to prove. The former third round pick from a year ago does have the flexibility to play guard. Next week this team should have a better-defined picture of this unit but Kliff Kingsbury‘s play calling and Jayden Daniels’s mobility will certainly be a key component to the offensive line’s overall success.

Skill Position Group: QB, RB, WR, TE

 Jayden Daniels went 2 for 3 passing in the first offensive series and capped off the drive with a 3 yard touchdown run. He showed a good level of command and comfort of the offense in a small sample size. His 42 yard pass to Dyami Brown highlighted a few things in one play that were impressive for the rookie signal caller. The play was designed to be a running back screen but the defensive formation caused Daniels to check out of that play. Post snap, he did a great job holding the safety as Brown was breaking downfield, then dropped a pass perfectly where only the wide receiver had a play. I understand that it is the preseason and the Jets did not show any complex looks but in was noteworthy that Daniels was comfortable to check out into another play, which allowed his receiver to develop his route and hold the safety. He was also able to avoid pressure off the left side of the defense by stepping up and resetting in the pocket before making the throw. While he went off script like “Maverick buzzing the tower”, Daniels made the reads and adjustments successfully, which is encouraging. Granted, he can’t go rogue and will need to keep within the scheme and game plan but it is preseason so that’s the perfect time to take a calculated risk.

To no one’s surprise, the running back room is led by Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr., but it was undrafted free agent Michael Wiley who caused many to take notice. Accounting for 39% of the offensive snaps, Wiley averaged 4.3 yards per carry and a touchdown. Chris Rodriquez had second most snaps of the running back group at 24%, but was very underwhelming, gaining zero yards on 6 carries.

Dyami Brown looked much improved, hauling in his 42 yard pass while maintaining complete body control and excellent focus. He just needs to show consistency in the regular season if he wants to become a vital part of this offense. Jahan Dotson was just the opposite, looking stiff coming out of his routes and bobbling the ball on both his receptions. The team will rely heavily on Dotson on opposite Terry McLaurin, so he needs to find a way of to get back to what he showed his rookie season. Ben Sinnott was fluid in his routes and was a wrecking ball after the catch. The way he transitioned from a receiver to a runner after the catch was seamless. He lost nearly zero momentum and was able to create positive yards after the catch as a result. He led all tight ends with 37% of the offensive snaps. Here is the complete list of offensive snaps on both offense and defense.