Eric Bieniemy new Commanders OC – Syndication Server

Why was Commanders loss to Bears so disheartening for fan base?

Is the honeymoon already over? Fans were let down once again.

Thursday’s 40-20 loss to the Bears was one of the more disappointing losses in recent Washington football history.

Why is this the case? Most likely it is because our hopes had been raised by multiple factors. What are those factors?

Sam Howell played well enough in his only 2022 game that we foresaw development this season and improvement at the quarterback position.

Ron Rivera, in the offseason, repeatedly told of how Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin were going to be helping this year’s team create turnovers, which was lacking on the 2022 defensive unit.

Eric Bieniemy was brought in to replace Scott Turner as offensive coordinator. Bieniemy was being presented as an instant, huge improvement over Turner, who could also help in the development of Howell.

Jahan Dotson flashed some really great pass-catching and route-running skills in his rookie season. Dotson would only improve in his second season, causing the offense to have a dynamic duo of wideouts in Dotson and Terry McLaurin.

2022 guards Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell very much underachieved in 2022. So much so that neither was invited back for this season. Sam Cosmi and Saahdiq Charles were said to be very much more athletic, mobile and would bring improvement to the interior of the offensive line as well as mobility in the screen game that terribly struggled in 2022.

Cole Holcomb departed via free agency, but oh, how the Commanders’ brass was happy with the signing of Cody Barton to start for Holcomb at linebacker.

Former owner Daniel Snyder sold the team officially in July. In addition, the new ownership group could not have launched their endeavor any better than they did that first weekend. Josh Harris, Mitch Rales and Mark Ein are local. They spoke of loving the Redskins. They proclaimed with energy they wanted to regain the glory days of the Redskins being one of the most successful franchises during the George Allen (1971-77) and Joe Gibbs (1981-92) seasons. And Earvin “Magic” Johnson would also help, having been such a competitor and team player himself in the NBA.

Instantly, attendance at training camp soared. Excitement at the home preseason games was swelling. The team began the season with two opening wins. The home schedule saw three sellouts; fans were returning, spending their money because our hopes were rising.

We understood losing to Buffalo and Philadelphia; after all, both of those teams are Super Bowl contenders. So, much of the talk Monday through Wednesday was about how the Commanders were going to win this “must-win” over the Bears. There was even much talk of “by how much” would the Commanders need to win to satisfy the fan base.

Suddenly, the Commanders trailed 17-0. Disappointment became confusion, which led to consternation, anxiety and dread. Then it was 27-3 at the half, and most of us were frustrated, angry, infuriated.

Our hopes had been raised so much, only for the team to again completely dash them. Our emotional balloons had been burst.

Adversity has set in; the honeymoon period is coming to a close. We again hope, hope for a recovery to respectability.

Commanders’ Rivera feels ‘everybody is coming together’

Rivera is pleased with the team’s mindset heading into Thursday night.

Ron Rivera really liked how his players put the Buffalo fiasco behind them quickly.

“The execution was really good, I thought at times and so I think that really spoke well to the guys practicing, preparing all week coming off of the Buffalo game. I thought the guys came in and had a really good Wednesday.”

Rivera also thinks new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is still getting to know his offensive personnel and they are still learning the new offensive system.

“I think a lot of what’s happening is everybody’s kind of still learning. We’re still in that phase. I mean, you can say all you want about having OTAs, minicamp, training camp, preseason games, but now with the actual games itself, now you know exactly what you got, what you’re doing out there and you feel as if everything’s coming together”

One calendar year can be significantly better. You recall last year, the Chicago game in Week 6 is when Washington fans showed up in Chicago wearing bags over their faces, and many chanting, “Sell the team.”

Rivera said he feels “Very fortunate. Things have changed, and it’s been different. It’s been refreshing…It’s one of those things that we’re very fortunate to be where we are. What Mr. [Josh] Harris and his group have brought has been very different, and it’s allowed me, it’s allowed us, to keep the focus on football, the players, as it should be and what we do on the field.”

As the team couldn’t wait to get on the field against the Eagles, turning the page from the Bills embarrassment, Rivera is hoping the team wants to turn the page from the Eagles to the Bears exclusively.

“…I’ve tried to talk to as many of the players as I can and just touch bases, see where everybody is, and the responses have been terrific. They really have. They’ve been tremendous. There’s a sense of eagerness right now. You know, it’s funny; I felt that on Wednesday, and I know I told you guys last week that I thought we had a good Wednesday. I felt that way about yesterday, coming in, and just in less than 24 hours, they were back here, and you know, there is this little bit more maturity, I think, and kind of in a really good way.”

Chris Cooley praises Commanders’ Eric Bieniemy

Cooley thought Bieniemy did an excellent job preparing Sam Howell for a tough defense. And he also weighed in on Terry McLaurin’s “catch.”

Chris Cooley had high praise for Washington offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s preparation of Sam Howell for the Eagles game.

Cooley was a guest on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” podcast Monday, sharing his observations of having watched the Commanders fall to the Eagles 34-31 on Sunday.

“Bieniemy does a phenomenal job getting a young quarterback going in this game,” declared Cooley. “Keeping the quarterback going by changing the spot, the location of the pocket, mixing in more run. It was literally everything we talked about last Wednesday.”

Indeed, Cooley, a week earlier, had questioned Bieniemy’s game plan in repeatedly having Howell in predictable locations for the Bills defense. “You can’t simply drop a young quarterback into the pocket, leaving him in the same spot to fend for himself.”

“To me, it was an excellent game. It’s a huge bummer not to come out with a win. But it was an excellent game against a good team,” expressed Cooley.

Regarding the overtime non-catch by Terry McLaurin, Cooley was very confident that replay demonstrated McLaurin’s second foot indeed coming down on Blankenship’s arm, which was inbounds. Consequently, in Cooley’s view, the ruling of an incompletion should have been overruled, giving Washington a first down rather than punting the ball back to the Eagles.

What did Cooley think when Howell connected with Jahan Dotson for a touchdown on the game’s final play, making the score 31-30 Philadelphia?

“In the moment, I thought it’s Ron Rivera, and they are on the road; he is going to go for the two points. Personally, I think a young quarterback, you play it into overtime, so I didn’t mind Rivera’s call.”

Will Commanders be an under-the-radar playoff team?

One analyst believes the Commanders will be a playoff team.

ESPN analysts Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano this week discussed who were some of the NFL under-the-radar teams that might make the playoffs.

Here is the link for the story.

In 2022, Washington sadly opened 1-4. The offense looked anemic, and another losing season looked certain. However, the Commanders suddenly won six of their next seven. They were now 7-5, in control of their own playoff destiny.

However, the offense struggled mightily to make plays, and the Commanders only went 1-3-1 in their last five games, losing out to the Giants for the final playoff spot.

Who is a team that did not make the playoffs in 2022 that most people will not be expecting to qualify in 2023?

Graziano selected the Falcons, citing this will be Desmond Ridder’s second season at quarterback for Atlanta, and they have recent draft selections that have shown great promise.

Fowler responded that he was taking Washington. Fowler elaborated that he was taking the Commanders primarily because of the defensive line returning, and the depth at wide receiver, which will help second-year quarterback Sam Howell. Fowler then also mentioned the contribution to the offense that newly hired offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will be expected to make.

Interestingly enough, the offensive line has had the most questions in the offseason. The unit has new starters at both guard positions, Saahdiq Charles and Sam Cosmi, and a new center in Nick Gates. The Commanders also signed Andrew Wylie from the Chiefs to start at right tackle. This unit will need to help Sam Howell as he continues to learn a new offense and gain needed NFL experience, as he played only one game in 2022.

How DC radio questioned Commanders’ Rivera again Tuesday

Ron Rivera has built a good roster. Can he coach that roster into the playoffs in 2023?

“You are good at building, but are you good at coaching?”

That was a question Craig Hoffman asked concerning Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera during the first hour of his The Team 980 Tuesday drive-home program.

Hoffman spoke of the dream of many Commanders fans being that Ron Rivera will not have a job at the end of this 2023 Commanders regular season. Couldn’t one respond logically and rationally that many more Commanders fans are hoping there is much winning this season?

If a winning season at, say, 10-7 would earn a playoff birth, resulting in Rivera returning for the last season of his contract, might the majority of Commanders fans take that instead?

Hoffman transitioned to how he likes assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy’s organizational skills and his attention to detail and thinks Bieniemy could really benefit as a head coach from those attributes.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, so back to Ron Rivera.

It is true since becoming the head coach in charge of football operations, Washington has drafted several very nice pieces to the puzzle of their roster. Kam Curl and James Smith-Williams were both seventh-round choices in 2020. 2021 brought Sam Cosmi, Benjamin St-Juste, Dyami Brown, John Bates, and Darrick Forrest. And 2022 may become a very solid draft with Jahan Dotson, Brian Robinson Jr., Percy Butler, Sam Howell and Cole Turner all being selected.

Hoffman lauded Rivera as one who has drafted well, and Hoffman was also asking if Rivera can take this team to the next level. One step Rivera has taken is turning to a new offensive coordinator whom Rivera recently said knows how to get the ball to their best skill-position players quickly.

Both Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke really struggled at times in 2022. Is Sam Howell, the quarterback Washington has been desperately needing since Kirk Cousins led Washington to its last winning records in 2015 and 2016?

Howell has exhibited an ability to extend plays and throw on the move. But of course, this has been the preseason. It does us good to remind ourselves that though Washington won all three preseason games this year, they still don’t count. On the other side of the coin, I have always remembered how in 1982, Washington lost all four preseason games and then proceeded to have the best record in the NFC and win Super Bowl XVII.

There should be no debating that Coach Rivera has helped the culture of the team, the bonding of the team as they have played for one another as a united front behind Rivera. He is to be commended for that.

Yet, this is his fourth season, and not having a winning season record since 2015 and 2016 is frustrating and getting old.

It’s time for a winning season in Washington.

Bieniemy: Commanders offense learning to finish

Bieniemy gives an update on QB Sam Howell’s progress.

New assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was pleased with the effort from his offensive unit Monday night.

Though the Ravens were repeatedly sending six or seven rushers on that final Washington scoring drive, quarterback Jake Fromm was moving the offense down the field, providing Joey Slye the opportunity to kick the game-winning field goal.

“I thought our guys did a heck of a job just finishing the game, and the thing that I loved, that stood out, our guys are learning to strain to finish,” Bieniemy said. “That was impressive. Now it is on to the next one.”

Is the offense progressing as Bieniemy wants it to thus far in his first preseason in Washington?

“I think we are taking the necessary steps, but we still have a long way to go. There’s a lot of things that we can clean up and continue coaching through.”

For a second time, Bieniemy stated how the offensive unit was learning to fight to win, to go the extra mile. What does Bieniemy intend to communicate? Doesn’t he think the offensive players were learning to fight under Ron Rivera?

“Our guys are finding creative ways to drag themselves across the finish line. When you have the resilience, it’s something you can build upon. I’m starting to see the second effort.”

Was Bieniemy implying the offensive players were not giving a second effort previously?

“On top of that, I’m seeing guys play faster. So, all those things are just coming to light. We have to continue to clean up the little stuff. That is going to help us become the better team.”

Bieniemy likes where his quarterback is in the process.

“I have thought Sam’s progression is right where you want it to be. I think he has just stayed the course. He’s learned a lot just being out there each and every day.”

Bieniemy also pointed to backup quarterback veteran Jacoby Brissett, and how he has modeled some things well on the field for Howell. In the room, Brissett is what Bieniemy referred to as “an outspoken individual in that room who has helped Sam tremendously.”

The former Chiefs OC said he loves that Howell autocorrects, takes his job responsibly, takes work home, “and loves to walk through all the little detailed nuances of the game.”

Bieniemy has praised Howell’s performances this preseason.

“I think he is right where he needs to be. He’s done a heck of a job in the practices (against the Ravens), and he did a heck of a job in the game (Monday).

More silliness regarding Ron Rivera’s comments on Eric Bieniemy

Thank goodness we have a football game on to focus on — preseason or not.

Ron Rivera’s comments regarding Eric Bieniemy have been discussed nationally in the last few days.

Theories are being suggested, some bizarre, some reasonable, most unfounded.

Jason Whitlock joined in, suggesting that “Bieniemy was hired to replace Rivera” and that “Rivera is letting the media and ownership know that Bieniemy’s style won’t work in the ultimate leadership position.”

Rivera, of course, has the top position when it comes to the football side of the organization. There is not a general manager or team president who outranks Rivera when it comes to the football team.

Going further, when Daniel Snyder cleared out his office last December, he never returned to a game nor to any business of the Commanders. He was done, moving out.

Consequently, if not Rivera, who was it that hired Bieniemy to replace Rivera? The Josh Harris ownership group did not even become official until July 20, months after the hiring of Bieniemy.

Perhaps might this be a case of Whitlock (and others) not realizing the coach-centric structure in place for the Washington Commanders, which gives all football-related decisions to Rivera for his oversight and final call.

Wednesday, Rivera went out of his way to read a prepared statement, owning his clumsy remarks. Some have strongly suggested the statement was written for Rivera, and he was forced to read it. But doesn’t that necessitate Rivera wasn’t truly owning it?

For instance, to those suggesting Rivera had to read the statement. Who was it then that prepared the statement? And whom was it ordering Rivera to read it?

One thing that remains true is that it is so much easier to form one’s theories and make one’s accusations than it is to provide proof/evidence of one’s theories. That has been and will always remain true in the human race.

It’s been a wild week; how about, until we actually know more, let’s talk some Washington Commanders football for the next few days, shall we?

Commanders TE John Bates learning and believes in Sam Howell

Bates is a big believer in Sam Howell.

Commanders tight end John Bates spoke with the media Sunday, giving his thoughts on training camp and the team thus far in 2023.

Eric Bieniemy is installing the Kansas City offense during this training camp. Bates is positive thus far.

“I feel like as a group we’ve picked up on things really well and we’re still developing to learn those things, but I feel like we’re doing a really good job so far with this offense.”

Much of the media coverage has included talk of how the defense has been dominating the offense throughout training camp. But Bates understands the offense is new, so there is much to learn.

“You can see after a couple weeks now the timing’s getting there, everyone’s starting to get on the same page and so things are flowing and we’re really excited.”

Not only is Bieniemy teaching a new offense, he is emphasizing game-time situations, while players are still learning. So, of course they are behind a defense that is in the fourth season of Jack Del Rio’s system.

“He throws a lot of different game time situations that you don’t necessarily see all the time or stuff that comes up a lot. He wants to make sure that when we get into those situations that we execute at the highest level.”

Bates is confident in inexperienced quarterback Sam Howell as well. He sang Howell’s praises Sunday.

“I feel like since the day Sam got here, everyone knew what he was about and what he could bring to this team and what he was able to do in the past and what he’s shown to do here. Sam’s been doing a great job, and I’m excited to see what he does for us this year.”

Bates believes he himself is still growing, becoming a more fluid route runner, striving to improve each season.

One thing for certain, Bates is glad the first preseason game is Friday (in Cleveland).

“I mean, we’ve been going up against our defense now for three weeks, and I think everyone’s ready to hit someone else…It really gets fun when you start going up against opponents, and you’re really working together as a complete team trying to accomplish a goal of winning.”

Commanders RB Antonio Gibson sees himself as ‘third down back’ in 2023

Gibson sees himself in J.D. McKissic’s old role.

Commanders running back Antonio Gibson broke some news Wednesday.

The fourth-year running back out of Memphis, when asked about his offensive role, replied,

“Right now, I would say third-down back, but we all just out there working, trying to make each other better and prepare for the season right now.”

When asked to clarify, Gibson responded,

“Almost like that [J.D. McKissic] role, you know, third-down back end of the game situation, end of the half situation, and things like that. And then, you know, whatever those guys got playing outside of that, you know, I could take that on too.”

It is a role that could see Gibson running much less between the tackles, and utilizing his quickness, getting him the ball in more open space. Gibson was asked about his feelings towards the role and affirmed,

“I feel fine. Like I said, we all going to practice like we’re starters, and we just going to make each other better and keep working.”

When asked twice about the current running back market in the NFL trending downward, Gibson didn’t take the bait, stating both times he supports the other backs to get paid what they deserve, “but right now, it’s the first day at camp, my mind is right here with this team and what we got planned for the rest of the season.”

Of course, Gibson would like to be the full-time starter, and he even said he understands how all players want that for themselves.

“I feel like everybody should have that same mindset. That’s where I went to say, like, we’re going to practice like we’re starters, everybody’s capable of doing more than what, you know, coach needs, but we’re going to do what coach needs, and if they ask for more, we’re going to do more. So, you know, everybody going to play their role, but we’re going to practice like we all starters.”

Gibson likes what he sees in fellow running back, second-year man Brian Robinson.

“He looks good; he always got a positive attitude. He knows how to work, you know, he comes in, and he’s ready…So, he’s being more vocal this year and he looks good to me.”

Who is the offensive X-Factor for the Commanders in 2023?

It’s all about coaching.

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Whom would you say is the offensive X-factor for the Washington Commanders in 2023?

CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin determined to predict who will be that offensive X-factor for each of the 32 NFL teams. The list proved to not merely feature quarterbacks. In fact, not every X-factor for each NFL team was even a player, as the list also includes some coaches.

Here is a link listing and describing why each one was selected from the 32 NFL teams.

Who, according to Dubin, will be the offensive X-factor for the four NFC East teams?

Dallas Cowboys — WR Brandin Cooks
New York Giants — TE Darren Waller
Philadelphia Eagles — OC Brian Johnson
Washington Commanders — OC Eric Bieniemy

Here is the explanation provided by Dubin for why Bieniemy is the Commanders’ offensive X-factor for the upcoming season:

Bieniemy has coordinated the league’s best offense for the past five years. He no longer has Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid to count on, but there is some talent on hand in Washington. How much can he get out of it? And can he use whatever he does get as a springboard to finally getting the head-coaching opportunity he long since should have been offered?

Who are some of the Commanders prospects to be considered for the X-Factor offensively? Quarterback Sam Howell will be making only his second start. While receivers Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel will certainly need to have good seasons for Washington if the Commanders are to qualify for the playoffs.