Don’t even attempt to convey to Eric Bieniemy that the Commanders’ last five games of this 2023 season are not important.
Bieniemy played running back in the NFL for nine seasons (1991-99). He knows how important it is to finish strong, to be playing for next season, etc.
Next, the former NFL running back coached running backs for the Vikings for five seasons (2006-10) and then the Chiefs for five seasons (2013-17), before becoming their offensive coordinator for five seasons (2018-22).
It is very much a reality that there are NFL coaches right now who are not satisfied with their offensive coordinators and will be looking to see if they can obtain one who would be an improvement for their offense next season.
Being a competitor, there is 100 percent absolute certainty, Bieniemy knows he is coaching for a good job next season.
Consequently, if you think for one second that Eric Bieniemy is lying down at night wondering who Washington could get with a top-5 draft choice next season, you are very naive.
Bieniemy is studying daily, planning hard, teaching hard, coaching hard. He wants the Commanders offense to be effective, protecting Sam Howell, moving the ball, and yes, even running effectively when he feels they need to do so to slow down the opposing pass rush and get those tough yards.
So, look for Bieniemy to have Sam Howell getting the ball out early and, yes, often. Look for Sam Howell to be distributing the ball very generously to various receivers, attempting to keep all of those in coverage honest as well.
He is no doubt working to put Sam Howell in the best possible positions for success in each of these last five games. He is not going to put his arm around offensive players and whisper, “Take it easy, guys.” NEVER.
Don’t you think Bieniemy knows that if the defense had shown up in at least two more games, this team could easily be 6-6 and not 4-8? You bet he does.
Eric Bieniemy knows if Josh Harris hires a new head coach, the head coach will be the one determining who the Commanders offensive coordinator will be in 2024.
Consequently, these last five games are resume material for Eric Bieniemy, and he is going to be working hard with his offensive unit.