Commanders' Ron Rivera Seeing 'Really Good Things' From Offense

The Washington Commanders offense is in a learning phase under new coordinator Eric Bieniemy, but coach Ron Rivera likes that he has seen from the unit in training camp.

The Washington Commanders' offense has been undergoing a transition under new coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Taking over from Scott Turner, Bieniemy has gone about setting up the offense his way, with more of an emphasis on getting the ball to the playmakers on offense.

As the grind of training camp continues as padded practices now give players a chance for "real football," head coach Ron Rivera likes the direction the offense is currently headed.

“I like where we're headed, I really do," Rivera said. "We've seen some really good things, and again, one of the things that we talked about in bringing Eric Bieniemy here was getting the ball to our playmakers in space.

"There's been several balls that have gone quicker to [WR] Terry [McLaurin] and in certain areas to [WR] Jahan [Dotson], to [WR] Curtis [Samuel] with the occasional shot going vertical."

Quarterback Sam Howell has a host of weapons at his disposal as he looks to take a stranglehold on the starter position at training camp.

With Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel as the "Big 3," the tight end and running back position can perhaps get overlooked. 

But not in Bieniemy's scheme, and Rivera detailed that the running backs Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson, and rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr., along with tight ends Logan Thomas, John Bates, Cole Turner, and Armani Rodgers, all have a part to play.

"Getting the ball into the tight end's hands, utilizing them even more, expanding their role," Rivera said. "And then also not just handing the ball off to the running backs. We had an extended nine-on-seven period, run period. Some really good things that we saw. But also using them as a receiving weapon. 

"Getting the ball in their hands in space, whether it's coming out of the backfield or running a swing route, we've got to get the ball into the playmaker's hands quickly and so we can get the explosives.”

So there is a clear plan for the Commanders offense, and it seems simple enough for Howell to master - get the ball out quickly to your playmakers and let them do the rest.

While there will be ups and downs this season as Howell and the offense adjust to Bieniemy's scheme, but thus far, positive steps have been made, and that development will no doubt have Washington in a good mind frame entering the season.

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