5 concerning narratives the Commanders must change in 2024
After the mess he inherited, Josh Harris got a pass from fans in his first year of ownership. That goodwill won't last long if things don't change for the Washington Commanders in 2024.
With a new coaching staff, front office, franchise quarterback, and a slew of additions to the scouting department, this is the first year the ownership's fingerprints are all over the team. Optimism is growing as a result.
Fans have waited 20-plus years, struggling through the Dan Snyder ownership for any semblance of hope. But those glimmers were few and far between. Many instances of shine turned out to be fool's gold.
So, what are the five things that need to change in 2024 to bring in a new era of Washington football?
Commanders' offensive coordinators flaming out
When Eric Bieniemy took over as offensive coordinator last season, there was palpable excitement in the building and among the fanbase. He was a coordinator who came from a franchise used to winning and worked with a plethora of future Pro Football Hall of Famers.
Bieniemy lasted one season. I don't know if that says more about the Washington Commanders or the coach.
The play-caller overused Sam Howell, with the young quarterback facing constant pressure throughout the season. Bieniemy rubbed some players the wrong way with his coaching methods. This continuous "shiny toy syndrome" is nothing new for Washington fans.
Before Bieniemy, there was Scott Turner. Many were excited about this arrival due to his work with quarterbacks and learning under his dad, Norv, a former Washington head coach. He also failed to make an impact with the offense peaking at No. 20 in 2022 during his tenure.
This season, the Commanders brought in Kliff Kingsbury. He worked with Kyler Murray during their time together with the Arizona Cardinals, before being fired and returning to the college game.
He is known as a visionary on offense. After a few up years in Arizona, Kingsbury left the Cardinals with a whimper. One NFL analyst even called him the biggest fraud in football.
Can Kingsbury overcome the recent history of offensive coordinators flaming out in Washington and silence some of his critics around the league? Only time will tell, but it is a change that needs to happen for the organization.