What Does Commanders Coach Eric Bieniemy Love About QB Sam Howell?

They've only been together for a short period, but Washington Commanders assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and quarterback Sam Howell are off to a solid start in their relationship.

Believe it or not, football is a people business before everything and as the Washington Commanders look to build a winning product on the field this season two of the most important ones are starting to build a beautiful friendship. 

“Sam’s a very competitive kid," Commanders assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said of quarterback Sam Howell at the conclusion of the team's OTA period. "The thing I love about him too - he’s smart. He understands some of the times when he’s making mistakes and the only thing he wants to know is what can he do to get better.

"More than anything I’m enjoying just watching him work and watching how he handles the highs and the lows because you’re gonna have some of that throughout the course of working during the offseason. Just like you would if you were playing in the game. But the thing that I love about him is that he’s always staying steady. His demeanor does not change and he’s very, very competitive."

For those keeping count at home, that's two weeks of practice and two things Bieniemy loves about Howell. 

But the affection isn't one-sided, as the quarterback spoke glowingly about his coach earlier in the week as well.

"(Coach Bieniemy) brings that energy every single day," Howell said. "And we try to feed off of that and we try to bring our own energy as well. We try to come out of practice every day and get ready to go and have the right mindset. We're just trying to follow EB's lead and he is doing a really good job."

The two men both believe each is doing their part in making this bond a successful one. 

And coach Ron Rivera echoed that sentiment multiple times during the OTA process. 

Next week is another chance for the Commanders to take a step forward with a three-day minicamp where defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat and offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr. are expected to work into the fold for the first time on a practice field.

Just two weeks have already produced enough performance to start loving what's happening in Washington this offseason, so who knows what the third week will bring?

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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