Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines with just one day remaining until the franchise sale receives approval from NFL owners?
There is a palpable level of excitement across everyone associated with the Washington Commanders this week. Players are set to begin showing up for training camp over the weekend, but all eyes are on tomorrow's meeting between other NFL owners to finally approve the franchise's $6.05 billion sale to the Josh Harris group after months of back and forth.
Until then, among the stories causing conversation recently include Eric Bieniemy's standing, Josh Harris' first public appearance as Commanders owner, Chase Young's desire, and Dan Snyder's final demand before walking away for good.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Josh Harris group set to attend Commanders rally
It appears as if Josh Harris and his wealthy investors are wasting no time in making their presence felt across the Washington Commanders once everything becomes official on July 20. According to Darren M. Haynes from WUSA9, the group will be in attendance for a specially-organized pep rally by the organization on Friday.
The event, which is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., is the first major event in the immediate aftermath of Dan Snyder's departure. The timing is interesting and represents a major statement of intent from Harris as he looks to get fans back onside quickly after most turned the other way during the previous owner's reign of misery.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is also set to appear at the rally, which is invite-only at FedEx Field. Anyone fortunate enough to receive their invitation would be wise not to miss it.
Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy's standing
While there is a tremendous amount of hope that Eric Bieniemy can provide the spark that ignites a talented Washington Commanders offense to greater heights in 2023, it's also worth remembering this is his first time running an offense without someone looking over his shoulder. He's experienced enough for this not to become an issue, but it represents a journey into the unknown for all involved.
Bieniemy's immediate impact has been felt in no uncertain terms. He's raised professionalism, increased tempo, and is also holding everyone to account no matter their standing within the organization.
This has got players singing from the same hymn sheet heading into a pivotal training camp. But Sam Monson from Pro Football Focus highlighted the complex evaluation surrounding Bieniemy after placing him at No. 6 in his list of top offensive coordinators heading into the 2023 campaign.
"One of the most difficult evaluations out there, Eric Bieniemy has become an annual discussion point as he gets consistently overlooked in head coaching searches. We know Andy Reid is an incredible offensive mind in Kansas City, and we know Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the game. So how good Bieniemy is within his role as coordinator is an open question, so much so that he felt he needed to prove he can thrive outside of their influence in Washington. Unfair as it may be, this season could be one that makes or breaks Bieniemy's reputation as a coordinator."Sam Monson, Pro Football Focus
Bieniemy is going to relish the prospect of running his own show after sitting under Andy Reid's vast shadow for years. If everything goes well, the Commanders will be a force next season.
Commanders DE Chase Young's desire
Chase Young is clearly a man with a significant purpose heading into the 2023 season, The Washington Commanders didn't up his fifth-year option - which wasn't a big surprise looking at his current career trajectory - but the franchise is looking for the defensive end to bounce back and provide those in power with a nice problem next spring.
Young seems to be over his injury problems, is in phenomenal shape, and has the fierce desire to silence his doubters burning within. Something that came across in no uncertain terms when the former No. 2 overall selection spoke with Fred Smoot and London Fletcher via the team's website.
"Feeling good. It's about that time. I ain't stopped working after the season, I've been grinding and ready to get to work. I ain't gonna say too much, I do what I do then you gonna hear it. That mindset where you're thinking about leg and it's hesitant, that's gone and now we're letting the pitbull off the leash to go and bite something. I cause problems, so I know what I can do on two legs and I feel this year that I can bring my game all the way around. I'm gonna set the narrative."Chase Young via Commanders.com
This should be music to the ears of every Commanders fan. Young's looking explosive and almost back to his old self during workout videos, which is a solid foundation from which to build as the heat is turned up at training camp.
If Young manages to put a consistent run of games together, the NFL might be on notice.
Outgoing Commanders owner Dan Snyder's final demand
Dan Snyder has reportedly come to an arrangement with the NFL in order for the Washington Commanders sale to get formal approval on July 20. This ends his long, disastrous association with the league and will be followed by joyous scenes across the D.C. area throughout the weekend's festivities.
The billionaire threatened to hold up the sale last week according to Nicki Jhabvala and Mark Maske from The Washington Post. This centered on the Jon Gruden email leaks and the indemnification on both sides.
According to Sportico via Yahoo Sports, Snyder wanted no further financial ramifications coming his way to indemnify influential figures such as Roger Goodell and Jeff Pash. If this has been granted as expected, then the league will be picking up the tab.
"Commanders owner Daniel Snyder is demanding the league indemnify him and the Commanders’ limited partners from payments the league could be obligated to make to Jon Gruden should it be held liable in the former Raiders coach’s lawsuit or if it reaches a settlement with Gruden. Like with the NFL’s $790 million settlement to end a lawsuit over the Rams’ relocation from St. Louis to Los Angeles, each owner would likely share a portion of the cost to pay Gruden to drop his claims."Sportico via Yahoo Sports
Snyder is getting out of this relatively free and clear depending on what emerges from the Mary Jo White report. He's also making a significant profit after being the franchise for $800 million, but it's his torrid legacy of incompetence that will hurt more than anything else.