Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as some notable changes might be occurring within the organization?
This is a period of great uncertainty for the Washington Commanders. Four losses in five and an embarrassing reverse at the New York Giants last time out means the pressure is on to turn things around, although that might have to be after this weekend given the high-powered Philadelphia Eagles are coming to town.
Another nervous weekend awaits. Until then, the stories generating column inches include potential changes to the offensive line, Montez Sweat on trade speculation, Eric Bieniemy looking to adjust, and Josh Harris making his first of what could be many staffing alterations in the coming months.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders OL changes
With Saahdiq Charles missing practice once again on Thursday, it seems as if a change is coming to the offensive line. This might be by default if the former LSU star cannot go, but it's absolutely necessary after such a torrid opening to the campaign.
Sam Howell is getting sacked at a historic pace. Something has to be done and head coach Ron Rivera acknowledged as much earlier this week, so it was interesting to see the young signal-caller taking snaps from Tyler Larsen rather than Nick Gates at practice.
Tyler Larsen snapping to Sam Howell during the early individual period. pic.twitter.com/jFA4pofe8N
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 26, 2023
If this change comes to fruition, Larsen would start at the center position against a formidable Philadelphia Eagles defensive front, leaving Gates free to fill in for Charles at the left guard spot. At this point, what harm could it do?
Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy's ethos
It seems as if the honeymoon period is well and truly over for Eric Bieniemy. While the Washington Comanders offense has improved under his leadership, there are questions surrounding the offensive line and not committing to establishing the run, which is piling additional and perhaps unnecessary pressure on quarterback Sam Howell during a critical stage of his development.
Ron Rivera seemed happy enough with how things were unfolding when discussing the matter this week. As for Bieniemy, he is always looking for ways to assess and alter accordingly based on comments via Washington's website.
"We want to keep turning over every stone. The only thing that we are working on doing is just making sure that we can be better. Each and every week, we're always evaluating what we need to do."Eric Bieniemy via Commanders.com
Bieniemy and the Commanders can take great heart from their second-half showing at the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this season. They moved the football well behind a pass-only attack and put points on the board, even if they ultimately fell short in overtime versus a team that looks primed for another deep postseason run.
Last weekend's inept showing at the New York Giants is a reason for pessimism. But if Bieniemy makes the right adjustments and the offensive line finally puts everything together, it would be a shock if fans didn't witness offensive growth at FedEx Field on Sunday.
Commanders DE Montez Sweat on trade talk
With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, a big decision looms for the Washington Commanders. Do they keep both Montez Sweat and Chase Young in the hope of working out contract extensions with the defensive end duo, or will they end up striking a deal to move one for additional draft compensation before the all-important October 31 cut-off point?
It's a hot topic of discussion right now and something that isn't going unnoticed by the players themselves. When discussing the prospect of being traded, Sweat took a philosophical approach and is evidently focusing on what he can control based on comments via Pro Football Talk.
"I mean, s--t, with everything going on, it definitely goes across your mind, but you try to keep your head focused on what’s ahead, and that’s Philly. So, yeah, I’m focused on that right now. I can only control what I can control. definitely enjoyed my time here with the guys on the D-line, the people on the team. But I understand it’s a business. So, I can only control what I can."Montez Sweat via Pro Football Talk
According to Nicki Jhabvala from the Washington Post, one concrete offer for Sweat has been made by an unnamed team. There is also said to be high interest in Young without any substance attached, so it'll be interesting to see how things shake out.
If the Commanders get beaten against the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend, that might be enough for those in power to sanction the departure of one of their premier pass-rushers. Whether it's Young or Sweat is the big question.
Commanders owner Josh Harris makes first big hire
Josh Harris and members of his new ownership group have sat back and assessed since buying the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder for $6.05 billion. This was the right approach considering the timeframe before the season began.
They've clearly been doing a lot behind the scenes and already invested substantial sums in improving the fan experience. But in terms of matters on the football operation side of things, there's been relatively little movement.
Until now.
The Commanders announced on Thursday that Eugene Shen has agreed to become the team's senior vice president of football strategy. This is a major boost to the analytical side and a sign that Harris could be about to embark on landmark changes if things don't improve.
Shen is one of the most respected figures in the analytics world, bringing vast experience and changing the way teams approached this area during the 2010s. This is also in keeping with the methods adopted by Harris' other sports franchises.
Ron Rivera is seen more as an old-school coach with traditional values, so this appointment is significant. And in honesty, it's about time the Commanders got with the times after languishing among the NFL's basement dwellers for decades.
Whether this is the start of a franchise-altering shake-up remains to be seen. However, it does nothing to diminish the sense of urgency Rivera and others in positions of power should be feeling with Harris' ownership group apparently ready to pull the trigger on their long-term strategy.