Commanders' Rivera Praises 'Explosive' Forrest

The Washington Commanders had one of the better defensive units in the NFL last season, and a big reason why was the play of the second-year safety Darrick Forrest.

Under Del Rio, the Commanders had a top-10 defense in terms of points allowed, with Forrest taking the "second-year leap" we hear so much about. 

For coach Ron Rivera, he knew what type of player he had on his hands as Forrest grew into the season.

“Well, I think you started to see it with his playmaking ability first and foremost early on," Rivera said. "You know, he gets the big interception in the first game. You just knew this young man had a little something to him and then you see how fast he plays. One of the things in talking with [Defensive Coordinator] Jack [Del Rio] is you gotta get the speed on the field and guys like him that are explosive, that can run and are dynamic, you want on the field."

After not starting a game in his rookie season, Forrest improved out of sight as he started 11 games (played all 17) and had an eight-game stretch of being a pillar of Del Rio's defense to finish the year.

Forrest would end his second year in the league with four interceptions, two forced fumbles and 88 combined tackles as he made the safety spot his own.

Now, as he enters his third year, the time has come to back up his efforts from last season. With the addition of what we hope will be a fully healthy Chase Young to add some firepower to an already stout defensive front, Forrest and fellow safety Kamren Curl could have themselves big seasons as key parts of Washington's now much-vaunted secondary.