Commanders Coach Eric Bieniemy Has 'Creativity, Experience and Leadership' Needed to Win
The Washington Commanders finally did what so many other NFL teams had a chance to do but wouldn't when they tacked the 'head coach' title on Eric Bieniemy this off-season.
Granted, the Commanders added 'assistant' ahead of it, but it's a step in the right direction and one that many predict will lead to Bieniemy getting the full title in the next offseason or two.
And when you strip the argument down to its frame, the way Washington's offense either thrives or struggles will be the biggest tipping point in the court of public opinion.
"While he won't have the luxury of a generational talent under center...Bienemy has the creativity, experience and leadership to turn around a Washington offense that ranked 23rd last season," says NFL.com. "He's a demanding coach, a stickler for details...Will success in Washington finally lead Bieniemy to his first head-coaching opportunity?"
According to the league site that question is the first of three 'subplots to track' this year at Commanders training camp.
The second revolves around the offense as well, and really goes hand-in-hand with the first.
"Washington's QB carousel has to stop spinning at some point, right," asks NFL.com. "While the organization hopes second-year passer Sam Howell is the answer, he'll first have to beat out veteran newcomer Jacoby Brissett for the job in the coming weeks...Howell might have a leg up to start, but will he keep it by the time September rolls around?"
Our prediction is that Howell will indeed keep his grip on the starting job as he's done well through the OTA and minicamp periods thus far.
Training camp can be a different animal, and preseason usually has a mix of ups and downs, especially for young quarterbacks.
But if Howell can show the same resiliency and poise under pressure he's shown for Washington so far then the battle is all but wrapped.
What's really left to ponder is whether or not the Commanders can develop a complimentary offense to one of the NFL's best defensive units.
If not, then it's going to be a requirement for defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and Co. that no team score more than 17 points per game again.
It's a question we'll be asking all training camp and preseason for sure, but the answer won't really come until the regular season gets underway.
Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.
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