Commanders' Sam Howell's Offensive 'Ownership' Key vs. Bills

Sam Howell has led the Washington Commanders to a 2-0 start, with coordinator Eric Bieniemy stating that it's crucial for Howell to be comfortable with the offensive game plan.

The Washington Commanders have started the Sam Howell era with consecutive wins over the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos. All the while learning Eric Biemiemy's new offensive scheme as he took over from Scott Turner.

For Howell, getting a grip on the new scheme is what has led to the Commanders' 2-0 start, both of which have required him to show his "trademark" resiliency. 

In terms of what the comeback against Denver told us about Howell? For Bieniemy, it's all about getting his quarterback comfortable in the game plan.

“Sam is very honest," Bieniemy said. "He's very quiet in a sense, but he has a calm demeanor, but he's confident. So, as we put the game plan together, I want him to have ownership in what we're doing. And so, if he's taking ownership, that's letting him know that he can trust in us that we're giving him the levity of saying, ‘Hey, you know what I like this particular play at this moment.’ And so that's how trust and bonds are formulated. That's how teams are built. And so, we want to make sure that Sam feels comfortable in everything that we're doing, and that's what it's about.”

The Commanders were down 21-3 during the second quarter against Denver before the second-half adjustments from Bieniemy and Howell flipped the script as Washington would then lead 35-24 before a Russell Wilson successful Hail Mary attempt.

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell throws a pass against the Denver Broncos / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Being down by such a big margin early in the game and in hostile territory, the Commanders could have easily wilted under the pressure.

But for Bieniemy, his message to get back into the game was a simple one. One play at a time.

“Keep playing," Bieniemy said. "It's a long game. At the end of the day, the only thing that we need to do is be the best team over a 60-minute period of time. It does not matter what the score is. The only thing that we have to do, and this is the message to our offense, we want to play one play at a time. That's it. The only thing that matters after that play is over is the next play. That's the only thing that we can control."

Bieniemy's messaging worked as the Commanders dominated the second half and secured their first 2-0 start since 2011.

With a young quarterback in Howell who is showing progression with each week and a coordinator in tune with his unit, things are looking up for the Commanders.

Fans will just hope that Howell's resiliency and Bieniemy's messaging against the Broncos won't need to be called upon too often this season.