Second-year safety Darrick Forrest has already shown that he can make an impact this season beyond just being a special teams ace.  

"I've seen some really good growth," head coach Ron Rivera said. "He took a big step from last year…he's a guy that has an opportunity to contribute to the every-down defense."  

The foundation of the leap the coaching staff has seen from Forrest began last year. Even though Forrest was not getting the on-field playing experience, he was doing what was within his control to try to get better.  

"I stayed in each and every meeting. I was at a lot of the away games, so I was around," Forrest said. "I might not have been out there, but I was definitely taking those mental reps each and every play."  

He has seen that work in the film room and on the sidelines start to pay off now on the field.  

"It's been my mind, my mental game," Forrest said about what his biggest area of growth has been over the last year. "I'm going out there, I can look at the formation, I can look at the personnel, and I can know what's going to happen… it starts with preparation. So, I feel like I'm more prepared this year."  

As he has developed, Rivera & Co. see that Forrest has the potential to succeed in the Buffalo nickel position. The role is also one that Forrest has embraced.  

"I just feel like it allows me to play fast. I'm closer to the line of scrimmage and I like the hit, so obviously if I'm in a fit I'm going to get down there and make a big hit if I need to. And I can cover at the same time," Forrest said. "So, I feel like it is an upgrade from what I was doing in the past, but my true responsibility is to go out there and play fast and just bring that energy."  

Whether he is playing at either of the safety spots, the big nickel or on special teams, Forrest is excited to help the team in whatever way it may need.  
 
"It's just for me to be out there and be comfortable and for me to have the knowledge for the rest of the players, so that when I get in there, they believe in me and they know that I can do my job," Forrest said.

Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Tuesday, August 23, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.

The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.

• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes about the return of Logan Thomas.
• The Athletic's Dan Pompei writes about the transformational quality of Terry McLaurin.
• NBC Sports Washington's Pete Hailey writes about Washington's dynamic running back room.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier gives his takeaways following the preseason loss against the Chiefs.
• NBC Sports Washington's Pete Hailey offers some interesting insight into Commanders mouthpiece usage.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes about what could lie ahead in Jahan Dotson's rookie season.
• NBC Sports Washington's Bijan Todd writes about Brian Robinson Jr. ball security and run style.
• The Richmond-Times Dispatch's Michael Phillip writes about coach Jennifer King's offseason development.
• NBC Sports Washington's Bijan Todd also writes about how Phidarian Mathis is no stranger to patience.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about Jonathan Allen's mentality after his Pro Bowl-caliber season.
• The Washington Times' Matthew Paras writes about Sam Howell's upcoming development year.
• The Richmond-Times Dispatch's Michael Phillips catches up with Chase Young after preseason opener, NASCAR weekend.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier lists his takeaway from the preseason opener.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about two standout rookie performances against Carolina.
• The Washington Times' Matthew Paras writes about Carson Wentz's Commanders' debut.
• The Athletic's Ben Standig writes gave his takeaways from Washington's first preseason game.

Check Out What's On Commanders.com:

• Logan Thomas looks forward to full contact, building chemistry with Carson Wentz
• Practice report | Logan Thomas takes next step in recovery
• 5 takeaways from Washington's preseason loss to Kansas City.
• Numbers to know from Washington's second preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs
• Media roundup | Rivera wants defense to be 'more disciplined' on third-down defense
• Instant Analysis | Commanders fall to 0-2 in 'dress rehearsal' game against the Chiefs
• 3 standouts from Week 4 of Commanders training camp
• 3 keys for Washington's preseason game against the Chiefs
• J.D. McKissic stays steady in Commanders' packed RB room
• Training Camp Notebook | Diving into Jahan Dotson, Antonio Gibson's possible roles on special teams
• Media roundup | Nate Kaczor breaks down kick return duties
• Training Camp Notebook | Rivera dives deeper into Commanders' DE Depth
• Hail Mail | Weighing Washington's options at WR
• From the booth | We all needed to see something
• Training Camp Notebook | Jahan Dotson grabbed two red zone TDs, defensive line disruptive on Day 16
• Media roundup | 'These past two days have been a delight' for Curtis Samuel
• Training Camp Notebook | Dyami Brown makes four catches as Commanders prepare for second preseason game
• Brian Robinson introduced his physical style to Commanders fans in the preseason opener
• Jon Allen ranks No. 88 on NFL's Top 100 players list