Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as the first real controversy of training camp emerged?
The Washington Commanders are three days away from participating in their first preseason game at the Cleveland Browns on Friday evening. Of course, it was never going to be smooth sailing in terms of distractions, but at least the first was football related rather than scandal-involving ownership.
That said, among the stories causing heated debate recently include Ron Rivera's revelations, Eric Bieniemy's firm stance, Chase Young's high stakes, and Sam Howell's progress.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders HC Ron Rivera's revelations
Before practice began on Tuesday, head coach Ron Rivera decided to drop a revelation that should probably have been kept in-house. This, of course, centered on his statements about certain Washington Commanders players being unhappy with Eric Bienemy's harsh coaching methods.
Rivera outlined via Pro Football Talk that he directed them to Bieniemy rather than get involved to any significant degree. But this is probably something the figurehead would like to have back given what transpired in the immediate aftermath.
"I had a number of guys come to me and I said, ‘Hey, just go talk to him.’ I said, ‘Understand what he’s trying to get across to you.’ I think as they go and they talk and they listen to him, it’s been enlightening for a lot of these guys. I mean, it’s a whole different approach. Again, you’re getting a different kind of player from the players back in the past, especially in light of how things are coming out of college football. So a lot of these young guys, they do struggle with certain things."Ron Rivera via Pro Football Talk
Whether this was done methodically or not with Bieniemy also taking the podium after practice is debatable. Some thought the reaction to Rivera's comments went too far while others speculated this could be the start of an intriguing power struggle between the two in 2023.
Time will tell, I guess.
Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy's firm stance
It was probably a coincidence that Ron Rivera's comments about Eric Bieniemy came just a couple of hours before the respected offensive mind was due to speak in front of the media. However, it was the perfect time for a retort to the reported unhappiness from some players about his coaching methods.
Bieniemy is a non-nonsense individual who demands high standards of himself and the players. He is vocal, holds everyone accountable, and leaves no stone unturned in pursuit of true excellence. Something that drew the support of players such as Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman in the wake of Rivera's statements.
When discussing his approach after practice, Bieniemy stated via USA Today Sports the proof is in the results. Even if that might weed out some of the weaker individuals along the way.
"I’m always going to be upfront, and I’m always going to be honest. Just like I stated when I first got here, we all got to get uncomfortable to get comfortable. It’s not going to be easy, and everybody ain’t going to like the process. But when it’s all said and done with, my job is to make sure that we’re doing it the right way. There’s a way to do it. Do they understand that? Yes, because they’re seeing the results. Will everybody buy in? I believe so, but if not, it’s okay. Because you know what? My number one job is to help take these guys to another level and I can see it. When you think about where we started in the spring to where we are right now, we’re making a lot of strides."Eric Bieniemy via USA Today Sports
Man there is no other coach that has your back like EB !! Take that coaching and get better we all been through … it’s tough but I promise you it will make you better https://t.co/Nsvr3c6KFb
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) August 8, 2023
Far too many within the Commanders have had it too easy before Bieniemy's arrival. This shape-up or ship-out approach is exactly what this lackluster offense needs and those that cannot get on board know where the door is.
It's that simple, really.
'Sky's the limit' for Commanders QB Sam Howell
Eric Bieniemy did get the opportunity to talk about actual football matters relating to the Washington Commanders with training camp now reaching the business end. The play-caller's voice has bellowed throughout practices in Ashburn, with his primary concern centering on making sure quarterback Sam Howell is ready to hit the ground running in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Howell's been getting the majority of first-team reps and enjoyed arguably his best practice of camp on Tuesday. It hasn't been easy going up against the Commanders' exceptional defense, but it's all part of the former fifth-round pick's growth into a legitimate starting option.
When asked about Howell's progress, Bieniemy stated via the team's website that it's all about gaining confidence and processing information effectively. If the North Carolina product can keep developing these two traits, the offensive coordinator is confident great things will be in his future.
"Sam's actually doing a hell of a job. I've seen the growth. You can see when he's confident, he's…releasing that ball. It's a thing of beauty. I want him to understand…you gotta process everything. It's been fun watching his growth process. I think the sky can be the limit for this kid."Eric Bieniemy via Commanders.com
While some might not be taking too kindly to Bieniemy's coaching methods, Howell seems to be fully on board. Something that could blossom into a mutually beneficial relationship when it's all said and done.
Commanders DE Chase Young's high stakes
The signs are generally positive surrounding Chase Young at last. His performances throughout camp and practicing without a knee brace have raised confidence in a potential bounce-back campaign next season, which would come at the best possible time after the Washington Commanders declined his fifth-year option earlier this spring.
This means Young is entering a contract year - as is fellow defensive end Montez Sweat. And according to Brad Spielberger from Pro Football Focus, there could be a bidding war for the former Ohio State star's services if the Commanders cannot find a way to keep both their star pass-rushers around.
"There is arguably no player with as much riding on the 2023 season. [Chase] Young’s range of outcomes after the year span from a one-year, prove-it deal to a major contract that reflects his trajectory from his rookie season. If he can stay healthy and produce in a loaded Commanders defense in 2023, and if Washington perhaps cannot keep him around because of commitments to other defensive linemen, it will be truly fascinating to see his market develop. It is very rare for a player of Young’s caliber and draft prestige to reach unrestricted free agency, and several teams may be comfortable enough with his medical situation to enter a bidding war for his services."Brad Spielberger, Pro Football Focus
Of course, there is a lot of football to be played between now and then. Young has to put a consistent run of games together and produce big numbers before this scenario comes to fruition, but the Commanders should be preparing for every eventuality after potentially backing themselves into a corner.