Commanders' Ron Rivera Clarifies Eric Bieniemy 'Intensity' Comments

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera clarified his comments about offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera is still feeling some of the blowback from his comments about offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. 

Those comments noted the offensive coordinator's intensity and how it has drawn the ire of some players and noted how Bieniemy's coaching style is different compared to defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio's way of coaching. In response, many people came to Bieniemy's defense, including Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who played for him with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2016-21. 

On Thursday, Rivera clarified his comments and came to Bieniemy's defense and noted the offense's improvement under his tutelage. 

"The biggest thing more than anything else is everyone wanted to know why," Rivera said. "What is he trying to get out of it? And when you understand why people do things the way they do them, and you look at the end result. The best part is we're seeing them."

Rivera said he feels those results are a part due to Bieniemy's message about how players need to handle uncomfortable situations and change with an entirely new offense.

"We've got to learn to be comfortable when we're uncomfortable," Rivera said. "I think what's happened for those guys on that side of the ball [is[ things are uncomfortable. There's been a lot of change, and the entire way of doing things has changed on the offensive side. Change is hard, and I've always encouraged our players to have great dialogue and build relationships with our staff." 

That change should prove beneficial for the Commanders given Bieniemy's track record as Kansas City's offensive coordinator from 2018-22. The Chiefs were consistently one of the best offenses in football, made the AFC Championship game in each of those five seasons and won two Super Bowls. He also helped develop Patrick Mahomes into the best quarterback in the game and a two-time MVP.  

Even if Bieniemy's coaching style has been a culture shock to some, it's a necessary change for a Washington offense that was 24th in points per game last season. Given those struggles and Bieniemy's success, that should be more than enough to get Rivera and the players on board no matter what is coaching style is. 

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