Commanders' Eric Bieniemy Praises 'Character' of Bills' Sean McDermott

Washington Commanders offense coordinator Eric Bieniemy was very complimentary of Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott.

When the Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills meet in Week 3, the 1999 Philadelphia Eagles will be well-represented. 

The 1999 season was Andy Reid's first year the coach of the Eagles. Current Commanders coach Ron Rivera was the linebackers coach for Reid. Bills coach Sean McDermott was assistant to the head coach. Other future coaches on the staff included John Harbaugh, Steve Spagnuolo, Pat Shurmur, Brad Childress and David Culley. 

Also, 30-year-old running back Eric Bieniemy was an Eagle in 1999, which turned out to be the final season of his career. More than 20 years later, Bieniemy is the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach for Rivera with the Commanders. Washington will travel to Buffalo Sunday, to face off with the McDermott-led Bills, quite the full-circle moment. 

Washington Commanders coach Eric Bieniemy worked with Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott on the 1999 Philadelphia Eagles staff / USA Today

"I've known [Buffalo Bills Head Coach] Sean McDermott since 1999," Bieniemy said. "It's kind of amazing that all of our relationships started in 1999 in Philly when we were all there together. 

"I know the character of the coach and knowing the character of the coach, I'm not shocked, nor surprised of the success that they've had. And so, when you're facing this defense, you know exactly who they are, you know their DNA and at the end of the day, we just got to make sure that we remain poised and we understand this game plan here is going to take a little bit of patience." 

After Frazier was seemingly pushed out as Buffalo's defensive coordinator following the 2022 season, McDermott is once again calling plays on that side of the ball for the Bills. While the challenge that Rivera and Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio will have slowing down quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo's offense is well established, McDermott will face quite the test trying to halt Bieniemy's Washington offense. 

Second-year quarterback Sam Howell has accounted for four total touchdowns during the first two weeks of the season, and has an intriguing receiver duo in Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Additionally, running back Brian Robinson Jr. has three touchdowns already this season. 

A long way from Lehigh, Pennsylvania, Bieniemy has a chance to make a statement against his former colleague Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.