Commanders QB Sam Howell 'Very Competitive' and 'Smart,' Says Coach Eric Bieniemy

After two weeks of OTA practices the Washington Commanders’ assistant head coach and offensive coordinator shared some insight into his starting quarterback Sam Howell.

ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has had some time now to start getting comfortable with his new players. 

Most importantly, he’s gotten a couple of weeks on the practice field with his starting quarterback Sam Howell to start blending instruction and execution into what will eventually become the Commanders’ offense in 2023. 

“Sam’s a very competitive kid,” Bieniemy said of his quarterback. “The thing I love about him too - he’s smart…and the only thing he wants to know is, ‘What can I do to get better?’”

Howell has had an offseason practice run that equals about what you would expect from a young quarterback in his first season as the incoming starter. 

There have been beautiful passes placed perfectly for his receivers leading to awe and adulation from the fans in attendance. 

But there have also been mistakes and in those moments Bieniemy has had his authoritative voice heard and reported - especially on social media. 

To onlookers it’s Bieniemy’s approach more than anything that has stood out as the biggest difference from last year to this. 

Someone we’d heard stories about from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, but didn’t get a real look at until recently. 

“At the end of the day I want those guys to get it,” Bieniemy said. “I want them to have an understanding that we can’t waste these opportunities. We only get so many reps…so we have to get it right.”

While he acknowledges that sometimes coaching gets out of hand, he says it’s important his players understand he wants them to strive for perfection because it’s what’s best for them to help the team win game.

With one more week of practices before the long break between OTAs and Training Camp, Bieniemy will surely continue standing out for his influence and coaching approach. 

And the Commanders will be looking for some short-term growth they can continue building on when they return in July. 

At that time it’ll be time for Washington to begin putting the finishing touches on roster decisions and strategic approaches with Bieniemy’s arrival echoing across the practice fields.

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

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