The Commanders made a big splash when they landed Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator several days ago. However, that hire will not change the club’s approach to its quarterback position, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports.
Back in January, we heard that Washington was telling potential OC candidates that 2022 fifth-rounder Sam Howell is expected to be the team’s QB1 when training camp begins. Although head coach Ron Rivera subsequently left the door open to a veteran addition, it was clear that such a player would be more of a backup type and would likely not be one of the high-profile passers on the free agent and trade markets.
Now, even with Bieniemy on board, Howell remains in the driver’s seat to open the 2023 campaign as the Commanders’ QB1, and that suits the newly-minted OC just fine. Bieniemy, like Washington’s other offensive coordinator targets, is high on Howell and much of the rest of the offensive roster, which includes strong skill position depth in running backs Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson and wide receivers Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel. Because of generally substandard quarterback play, the club posted below-average marks in total offense and points per game in 2022 despite leading the league in time of possession. If Howell develops as the Commanders apparently believe he will, and if the team can bolster its O-line, it would be fair to expect a much more productive offense in 2023.
With Washington about to start a rookie-contract signal-caller and on the verge of cutting bait on Carson Wentz‘s contract — which will come with no dead money ramifications — it will be much easier to address the offensive line and other needs. Bieniemy could therefore be well-positioned to improve his head coaching stock, which has dropped in recent years despite the continued success of the Chiefs, his former employer.
Howell started just one game for the Commanders in his rookie season, a Week 18 win over the Cowboys. In that contest, he completed 11 of his 19 pass attempts for 169 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also added another 35 yards and a touchdown on five carries.
Still a strange move by Bieniemy. Was this done to convince teams around the league that hey, it really was him calling the plays in KC? That the brilliance of the offense wasn’t all a testament to Mahomes and Reid?
I get it. I’m not a Chiefs fan by any stretch but it’s odd to me that young guys with lesser resumes get head coaching jobs in the NFL these days. What is it about this guy that precludes that?
Could be that Washington didn’t just make him an OC that actually calls plays, but they also named him an assistant HC. Rivera is an older coach and a cancer survivor. Perhaps there was talk about Bieniemy getting a chance to be the HC in Washington sooner than later?????
I thought that Andy Reid called the plays in KC and that’s why he moved on. This would allow him to show that he can do it on his own. If this guy is able to turn Washington’s offense around he’ll be a head coach in 2024.
Look at his rap sheet.
link to sportscasting.com
A women beater isn’t the best look to hire as a HC.
I wish that were true and that being a woman beater precluded you from becoming an NFL head coach, but I think if you win games and put butts in seats, nothing else matters. Heck, a guy could assault 30 women and still be a starting QB with 250 million guaranteed dollars in his contract in the NFL.
Very true! Vick did federal time and got a 2nd $100m contract from Philly.
That was over dogs. Dogs, an animal, not a human being.
Glad to see you’re an animal lover. The US thought it was worth locking Vick up in prison for it.
Matt’s accuser came out 2 decades later. Not what happened with Eric.
You’re a sympathizer and that’s your choice. It’s clear in Eric’s heyday he got into a lot of trouble and that past hasn’t left him nor will it.
I believe Ron will be fired in season and Eric will be promoted to interim HC. There’s a reason he took that title. I think also that it’ll be a clean sweep from ownership to coaching staff and QB for DC next year.
Sorry Qckappa but Mike Vick was not found guilty of dog fighting. He was found guilty of funding the operation that ran across state lines. If the operation had stayed in the Commonwealth of Virginia, chances are he would have never served time and just been fined.
I’ll help out. From NY times.
link to nytimes.com
1st paragraph from the article: Michael Vick formally accepted a plea agreement from the federal government today at the United States District Court here, pleading guilty to a felony charge stemming from a dog fighting ring run from a property he owned.
If you need another 100+ articles on it, let me know.
So I do not have a subscription to nytimes, washpost, or any of the other politico news sites…
Michael Vick pled guilty to one count of “conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.” That is the charge, look it up. It was to “aid” and “sponsor”, which means to fund the activities. It was Federal because it crossed state lines. He served 18 months in a Federal Prison because it was a Fed charge.
From your 1st paragraph that you cut and pasted, he did not plead guilty to dog fighting. “Stemming From” is not “Guilty Of” …. He pleaded guilty to funding the ring that crossed state lines. Please prove me wrong.
Most of that stuff is over 20 years old and a lot of it seems to seems to be alcohol related. Hopefully, he’s changed some of his ways and there are no listed incidents in the last 15 years+.
Plus, Matt Patricia got a head coaching job and was accused of much worse. So, try to be consistent in your statements if you can.
I just found out Bieniemy choked a parking attendant and peed in front of her? Lol
He actually got banned from his alma mater, which is kinda hard to do when famous.
To me, DC is setting up for a massive overhaul next offseason. Most likely new owner, coaching staff, & QB. The tank is on. Bet they’e traders at the deadline for picks.
Agreed. They can’t compete in their division. Washington wants Caleb Williams to go along with new owners and coaching staff. Fresh start.
It still seems strange that they picked Howell in the fifth round, sat him almost all season, and only played him when they were mathematically eliminated but immediately decided he’s their guy after one okay start in the last week of the year. I’m rooting for him but I’m still not convinced they think he’s the guy.
“Commanders’ Eric Bieniemy Hire Will Not Impact Sam Howell’s Status As QB1 for at least the first three weeks of the season.”
Fixed it.
A phone call from Park Avenue to an owner in a lot of trouble was probably behind the hiring.