TEMPE, Ariz. — The Washington Commanders are on a two-game winning streak that started in Week 2 with a historic win over the New York Giants and continued into Monday night of Week 3 with another historic win — for different reasons — over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Both wins displayed impressive feats of scoring ability by the Commanders offense and special teams coming as a pleasant surprise considering the team has a rookie quarterback and is on its fifth kicker of the year.
Something that’s plagued Washington all season, however, is the defense. Especially the pass defense that allowed significant gains by receivers Malik Nabers of the Giants and Ja’Marr Chase of the Bengals.
Getting Emmanuel Forbes — one half of their starting perimeter cornerback duo — back from injury this weekend, the Commanders are hoping to see improvement across the defense in their Week 4 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
“When he was last on the field, we all need to improve on making sure that we control the vertical throws,” Washington defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said on Thursday when asked what he wants to see Forbes improve on from his one regular season appearance this season. “That when we give looks to own and understanding where we want to send the ball, if we're outside leverage, be that leverage. We're inside, just play the defense that's being ran. And at the same time, and I'm not talking about Forbes, alright, when it's an opportunity to go make a play, go make the play. Let's not see it and understand it and can talk in the meeting room. Let's go make the play when we see it. And so that's what we all need to do.”
Focusing on the unit is nothing new for coach Whitt or anyone working for the Commanders under head coach Dan Quinn. That’s been the message all along. It’s not about the individual, but the team, and the last time Forbes was on the field with his teammates there were communication issues that cost Washington dearly.
Whitt said he believes that communication has gotten better. Getting Forbes back on the field after having to rotate through a mixture of cornerbacks Michael Davis, Noah Igbinoghene, and Mike Sainristil in his absence, the expectation is the unit as a whole will play faster and take better advantage of their opportunities this Sunday.
While Forbes is coming back, defensive end Clelin Ferrell (knee) is out for the second-straight week and running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) and receiver Jamison Crowder (calf) will also miss this weekend’s contest.
Offensive lineman Sam Cosmi (achilles) popped up on the injury report this week, but was able to practice in full on Friday after being limited on Thursday and not practicing at all on Wednesday. Defensive backs Quan Martin (elbow), Benjamin St-Juste (chest), and defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton (foot) were also listed on injury reports this week, and all are cleared to play this weekend.
On the other side of this weekend’s game, the Cardinals are going to be without tight end Trey McBride (concussion) and defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (knee). Offensive linemen Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) and Isaiah Adams (thumb) are listed as questionable.
All other Arizona players, including receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (quadricep) and linebacker Dennis Gardeck (finger) have been cleared to play in Week 4.
The Washington Commanders and Arizona Cardinals will kickoff at 4:05 p.m. ET from inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
