Which Washington Commanders players are leading a potentially positive culture shift as the 2023 campaign rapidly approached?
Some big changes could be on the way where the Washington Commanders are concerned in 2023. In many respects, these have been gradually taking place since Ron Rivera became head coach, but having a new ownership group coming into the fold has the scope to completely shift the franchise's course.
Obviously, Josh Harris and his team of investors will have their own ideas about how best to take the organization forward. If this vision doesn't match what Rivera is currently implementing, then the inevitable clash of personalities will follow.
Aside from Rivera, many others are attempting to reset the tone on and off the field. Given what's at stake for almost everyone in positions of power, this is essential if the Commanders want to make a serious postseason push next time around.
With this in mind, here are four Commanders not named Rivera leading their current culture shift in 2023.
Kamren Curl - Commanders S
Kamren Curl might not have participated in team drills during early off-season workouts given his contract status. But the fact he was around the facility is a testament to his love for the Washington Commanders and the former seventh-round pick's intent to become a true leader in the locker room.
Curl is an inspirational story after emerging as an afterthought into an integral part of Washington's plans on defense. His explosiveness, hard-hitting, and exceptional work ethic made him an instant fan favorite and someone that other players look to follow along the way.
This energy, relentlessness, and ability to make big plays consistently are exactly the traits needed for the Commanders' culture shift. Something that should come with a new contract when Washington's ownership officially changes hands and roster-building plans can resume.
Sam Howell - Commanders QB
In some respects, Sam Howell is the embodiment of the new culture within the Washington Commanders since Ron Rivera became head coach. Those in power opted to avoid going after Lamar Jackson or make another big splash this spring - instead having their hat on a former fifth-round pick emerging from obscurity and into a starting role.
Whether Howell can maximize this outstanding opportunity remains to be seen. There are some likable traits that could potentially flourish into something more - but it still represents a major risk given there is such a small sample size in terms of competitive NFL action.
The Commanders saw enough in Howell to end his deeply concerning draft slide in 2022. Rivera also sees enough in the signal-caller to potentially bet his job on.
Howell is transitioning well into the No. 1 role and has the support of his primary playmakers. But Rivera has been eager to keep his feet on the ground with claims of a quarterback competition during Washington's training camp, even if all signs point to the one-time North Carolina stud being the man under center in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
If Howell puts his undeniable gifts to good use, it will be the biggest Commanders' culture shift imaginable. Especially considering the constant stream of woeful free-agent signings, trades, and draft picks that constantly held the organization back at football's most pivotal position during the Dan Snyder era.
Eric Bieniemy - Commanders OC
When the Washington Commanders hired Eric Bieniemy to become their assistant head coach/offensive coordinator, it was seen as a new relationship that could be mutually beneficial. If everything works out, the NFC East outfit will have a much better campaign and it would also be the final destination before the coach finally got a top job.
Bieniemy's been given some important responsibilities by the Commanders this offseason. He's running every aspect of the offense, which also included molding the staff and lending his experienced voice to recruitment for good measure.
One thing that was evident throughout early off-season workouts centered on Bieniemy's enthusiasm, passion, and high standards. He was keen to keep the tempo running and when certain players weren't pulling their weight, the coach had no trouble hooking them from the lineup or giving them a piece of his mind.
To say this is a stark contrast to how previous offensive coordinator Scott Turner went about his business would be an understatement. Bieniemy has bet his future promotion prospects on moving to the Commanders, so he wants everyone on the same page and working in unison to reach their respective goals.
Expect this to ramp up even further when the time for training camp in Ashburn rolls around. Bieniemy's been the undisputed tone-setter almost from the moment he walked into the building, which is having a positive impact on the players ahead of a crucial campaign.
Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT
There's been plenty of personnel changes on the playing side since Ron Rivera became head coach. This has made defensive tackle Jonathan Allen one of the team's senior figures entering Year 7 of his professional career.
Allen is among the league's best interior defensive linemen and has been for some time. He is a brute force against the run, proving difficult to move off the block and penetrating gaps with seamless timing to hit the contact point quickly.
This is matched by explosiveness and exceptional hand placement in pass-rushing situations. Allen obviously has the benefit of first-round picks everywhere you look around him on the defensive front, but the Washington Commanders wouldn't swap the former Alabama standout for anyone else.
The No. 17 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft is taking his responsibilities seriously this offseason. Allen knows landmark changes could be on the horizon if things don't go well for the Commanders, so keeping everyone focused on football and not their own personal futures is the only way objectives can be met.
As a team captain, that's the least he can do. It's also worth remembering that there is no guaranteed money on Allen's deal after this season, even if contemplating a future without him is absolutely asinine.
Allen will help with the culture shift, but he cannot do it alone. If the Commanders want to surprise people in 2023, then it must be a collective effort from top to bottom across the franchise.