Rams are paying $15 million to learn what the Commanders already knew
The Washington Commanders' four years under former head coach Ron Rivera were marked by errors that the team is still trying to recover from. Arguably, the worst came with his final first-round pick at the helm.
Rivera went into the 2023 NFL Draft fixated on one prospect and one prospect only. Footage revealed after the process made that crystal clear; the coach and primary personnel decision-maker wanted cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Even when Christian Gonzalez somehow fell out of the top 10 and into their laps at No. 16 overall, Rivera didn't budge. The New England Patriots were ahead of the game. They knew precisely what the Commanders wanted. Bill Belichick traded down and still got his guy, who earned second-team All-Pro honors in his second season.
Emmanuel Forbes isn't getting any better almost one year after Commanders release
Rivera is gone. Forbes didn't last much longer before he was unceremoniously removed from the equation by general manager Adam Peters. There weren't many tears shed among the fan base, with the Mississippi State product failing to establish himself throughout a brief, disastrous stint in Washington.
Forbes got a new chance quickly. The Los Angeles Rams scooped him off waivers, and the signs were immensely positive this summer. This led some to believe that a potential breakout campaign could be in the offing, but it's not taken long for the same problems to arise.
The third-year pro isn't strong enough. Forbes struggles to get receivers off their routes, and he has difficulty in contested catch situations. That's without counting for his suspect ball tracking, poor tackling, and woeful production against the run.
Los Angeles's cornerback unit once again came under fire after an overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football. Forbes is feeling the wrath of fans, and the leash is getting increasingly short before potentially moving to the fringes once again.
It's a depressingly familiar feeling for Forbes. And the Rams are now finding out what the Commanders have known for some time.
If the Rams want to reach the playoffs, they cannot put a foot wrong moving forward. Forbes cannot be counted upon to be consistent. They aren't blessed with the most excellent cornerback depth, but this cannot continue for much longer. Not when he is giving up a perfect passer rating of 158.3 when targeted.
This is already in motion. Forbes saw his snap percentage plummet to 27.9 in Week 5 from 60.7 in Week 4. That is a damning indictment of how things are unfolding, and there might be no way back.
George Kittle Expresses Regret Over Missing Week 5 Game Against Tampa Bay: "I’m Disappointed, But I’ll Be Back Soon"
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has shared his disappointment with fans, confirming that he will miss the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a hamstring injury. While Kittle expressed his frustration over the timing of the injury, he reassured fans that his recovery is progressing well and that his return to the field is imminent.
“It’s tough to sit out, especially knowing how important this game is for the team,” Kittle said. “I hate not being out there with my teammates, but my focus right now is on getting healthy. I’m working hard to make sure I can come back stronger and be ready for the next opportunity.”
Kittle’s injury has sidelined him for this crucial game, but the star tight end is optimistic about his recovery. Although he won’t be playing against the Buccaneers, he believes he’ll be ready to return as soon as the following week, eager to contribute to the 49ers’ success.
“I’m doing everything I can to make sure I’m back on the field as soon as possible,” Kittle continued. “I’m following the rehab protocols, staying focused on the recovery process, and making sure I’m in the best shape to help the team win when I return.”
The 49ers will certainly miss Kittle’s presence, as he has been a key playmaker for the team since his arrival. His ability to create mismatches with defenders and his blocking prowess have been integral to the 49ers’ offensive scheme. However, Kittle’s determination to recover quickly and return to form gives fans confidence that his absence will be brief.
“I’ll be watching from the sidelines, cheering my guys on, and doing everything I can to stay mentally sharp,” Kittle said. “I’ll be ready to jump back in and help the team when I’m healthy.”
Kittle’s commitment to getting back on the field shows the resolve that has made him one of the league’s most respected tight ends. While it’s difficult for him to miss the game against the Buccaneers, his sights are set on making a swift recovery and returning to the field as soon as possible. The 49ers and their fans will be eagerly awaiting Kittle’s return, knowing that when he’s back, he’ll be ready to make an impact.
