SNIDER: Washington Commanders hoping Plan Bs work

Something old, something new – Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn is looking for fresh ways to revive players.

Linebacker Jamin Davis worked as an edge rusher during OTAs. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes spent time with returners. While neither first-round pick is moving full-time, Quinn is trying to squeeze productivity from the two underachievers.

Nothing wrong with that.

The Commanders will see their biggest roster turnover since the end of World War II. The 4-13 freefall didn’t leave many players worth keeping, so general manager Adam Peters signed handfuls of free agents to short-term deals as a bridge to hopefully somewhere.

Quinn is trying to discover whether Davis and Forbes can erase the stain of underperforming by adding duties. Davis slowly clawed from bust status as a 2021 mid-first rounder who was a big reach to a decent player last season. But, he has limitations, like not covering tight ends. Quinn is opting to make Davis a spot edge rusher. Davis did that well on occasion last season.

Washington didn’t extend a fifth-year option on Davis so this is his redemption season. A decent year leads to a new contract, a poor one to the exit ramp. Maybe a new defensive coordinator will better utilize Davis, who still has a chance to be a decent player. Better for Davis to blossom in Washington than watch him improve elsewhere like predecessor Preston Smith in Green Bay.

Forbes has worked with returners after Quinn watched tape of his college interceptions. It seems highly unlikely Forbes is a returner this fall. His 166-pound frame with freakishly-thin legs is too big of a gamble for injury. Besides, it’s way too soon to abandon the 2023 first-rounder to special teams when not a pre-existing skill.

Forbes is the biggest task for the Commanders defense. He was a zone guy stuck in man coverage and left on an island to die of embarrassment last season. That’s not his fault. Blame the personnel people for taking a square peg for a round hole. Execs and coaches love to think they can change someone to their system. It’s arrogant and seldom works.

The best thing Washington can do is get some meat on Forbes’ bones so he can bang with receivers on the line, and then put him in the right coverage. If Forbes still fails, then move on, but that decision is another year away. For now, just concentrate on defense and let special teams be a springtime fantasy.

There’s always temptation to move players like guard Sam Cosmi to tackle. He was drafted as a tackle, but it didn’t take long for Washington to move him inside, where Cosmi has thrived. Former coach Marty Schottenheimer always said never move a player doing well in one position to fill another because that leaves two spots in chaos.

Spring is the time to experiment. The Davis move may work. Forbes is more of a look see. At least the Commanders are seeking options. They’ll need some magic to return to playoff contenders ranks this fall.