Does Commanders Coach Eric Bieniemy Need to Change to Help QB Sam Howell?

The Washington Commanders had a lot of buzz this offseason but some are wondering if Eric Bieniemy needs to shift his philosophies to get a win against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Washington Commanders built up a lot of hype this offseason with the arrival of assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, the sale of the team, and a relatively strong showing in training camp and the preseason by quarterback Sam Howell.

That hype has swiftly turned into a little bit of doubt, however, following too less-than-stellar wins in the first two weeks and a blowout loss in the third.

After being sacked 19 times in three weeks some are wondering if quarterback Sam Howell doesn't need more help to keep him upright, and if so, is it on assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to tinker with the offense to provide it to him?

"We didn't play very well, so that falls right back on my shoulders," Bieniemy said about the team's Week 3 performance. "These guys understand that I'm not about that. They know exactly what needs to be done. And when it's all said and done with, we have to be better."

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy on the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at FedExField / Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The question remains, however, does getting better mean shifting from an extremely pass-heavy operation to a more balanced one, and perhaps even changing some of the personnel groupings to provide more protectors for Bieniemy's young quarterback?

"Our job is to make sure that collectively that we're all being accountable and that we stay the course," Bieniemy continued. "There's no need to panic...this is the time when you tighten up everything...making sure that we're providing all the necessary information and resources to help our guys to be the best that they can be...and that's my responsibility."

One of the resources Bieniemy hasn't been providing his young quarterback is a second tight end to help with blocking and quick or intermediate area throwing opportunities. 

In Weeks 1 and 2 the Washington offense used 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends) less than 24 percent of the time, and in Week 3 that usage dropped to 16 percent. 

Despite the fact the Commanders offense is producing better in 12 personnel on the ground and in the air, they consistently and primarily utilize 11 personnel (one running back and one tight end) formations - presumably in an effort to get the team's three electric receivers (Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel) on the field as much as possible.

To this point in the season, Washington has put Howell and its offense in 11 personnel for the fourth-most pass dropbacks in the league.

Four of Howell's interceptions have come from that grouping as have 17 of the 19 sacks he's taken this season.

While Howell has only gotten 17 dropbacks in 12 personnel through three weeks he's thrown for one touchdown in those, only been intercepted once, and sacked twice.

It's not clear that the team would be better off in 12 personnel because the lack of data really doesn't allow for a conclusion that goes that deep.

However, in a league that preaches balance, it'd be a welcome opportunity to get as even a look as possible at the two formations in one game - even if only as a sign that this coaching staff is willing to try everything possible to give the offense a shot at succeeding.

*All stats provided by Sports Info Solutions