The Los Angeles Rams put together one of the best defensive performances of the season in Week 12 with a huge win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Combined with the Philadelphia Eagles' loss, the Rams now hold sole possession of the top spot in the NFC.
While the defensive line is a huge reason for the Rams' success this season, one player has stood out as turning his season around in a big way. Former Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes has been incredible for Los Angeles this season.
Forbes was cut by the Commanders at the end of the 2024 season, and the Rams scooped him up off waivers. In Washington, Forbes was a bust. But now in Los Angeles, he's having an incredible season.
Emmanuel Forbes turned from Commanders' bust to defensive star for Rams
Next Gen Stats highlighted Forbes' Sunday Night Football performance against the Buccaneers in Week 12. Forbes was targeted seven times and didn't allow a single reception.
What makes this such a notable stat is that since Week 12 of 2022, no defender has ever been targeted more times without allowing a completion. His five passes defensed highlight just how great Forbes was in coverage.
So far this season for the Rams, through 11 games, Forbes has three interceptions, 13 passes defensed, one forced fumble, 27 tackles, and a passer rating allowed of 84.9.
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The Commanders cutting ties with Forbes before his second season was up was a huge decision for the Rams, as the 24-year-old cornerback has been incredible for Los Angeles since.
While he was a bust in Washington, Forbes has turned his career around and is playing like a first-round cornerback so far this season.
Over the last four weeks, he's been one of the more impressive defensive players in the NFL. He's had three interceptions and 11 passes defensed in this four-week stretch, which includes matchups against the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and Buccaneers.
Forbes has been a revelation for the Rams this season, and he's been a complete steal for Sean McVay and Les Snead since they picked him up at the end of the 2024 season.
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