Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines following fresh revelations about the team's potential plans came to light?
The Washington Commanders might be on their bye week, but it hasn't stopped the news and speculation from mounting. With all hope lost for a profitable 2023 campaign, the primary focus centers on what comes next under Josh Harris' ownership group.
As expected, there's been a lot to unpack. Among the stories generating buzz include where some Commanders players stand in the early Pro Bowl voting, revelations about what exactly the players were unhappy about where Eric Bieniemy was concerned, Ron Rivera being resigned to his future beyond 2023 and Brian Branch almost being drafted by Washington.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders in the Pro Bowl hunt
While the Pro Bowl has lost some of its mystique and creditability, it remains a distinction players around the league can be proud of. The NFL announced the top 10 in each position category up to now from fan voting on Wednesday and some Washington Commanders players were featured despite their poor recent run of results.
Sam Howell is ranked No. 10 among all quarterbacks, which is impressive considering it's his first season as the Commanders starter. Jonathan Allen - who recently said he's thought about leaving in pursuit of winning - is ranked No. 8 in the defensive tackle category.
Strong safety Kamren Curl is No. 4 for his position. If he were to make the Pro Bowl, it would only strengthen his position when it's time for his representatives to begin negotiations on a new deal this offseason.
Antonio Gibson is listed as the No. 7 kick returner in voting. Terrell Burgess fares far better and is currently sitting at No. 1 in the special teams category thanks to his sterling efforts throughout the campaign.
Brian Branch reveals Commanders draft snub
The Washington Commanders raised a few eyebrows by taking cornerback Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. While some thought they should have gone in a different direction, it's clear those in power became almost infatuated by his skill set and ball-hawking capabilities throughout their thorough assessment process.
It's not been the most productive rookie campaign from Forbes. The former Mississippi State star was given responsibilities he couldn't handle against elite-level wide receivers, with several frustrating injuries also stunting his development during the campaign.
Another intriguing storyline came to light this week. Safety Brian Branch revealed during a social media discussion via Pro Football Talk that the Commanders said they planned to bring him to the organization before going with Forbes, instead.
The team I for sure thought that was going to get me was the Commanders at No. 16. I felt like, you know, they told me that if I’m still available at 16, they were going to get me. But I guess you can never take their word, somebody’s word. You got to let it play out. But everything happens for a reason. So I’m glad I’m with Detroit.
Branch transitioned to the pros much better than Forbes despite some injury problems of his own. He slid to No. 45 overall before being taken by the Detroit Lions two spots ahead of the Commanders, who might have pulled the trigger had the talented defensive back fallen into their laps.
Commanders players unhappiness with Eric Bieniemy
Eric Bieniemy's intent to shake up the Washington Commanders and raise standards across the board haven't gone as many - including himself - had hoped. While there's been some growth offensively, the disjointment is obvious, and constant murmurings of player unhappiness with his methods aren't helping either.
During an exposé surrounding the Commanders' season and what comes next, Jeremy Fowler and John Keim of ESPN stated some of the reasons for this supposed friction. This reportedly stemmed from increased film sessions getting in the way of treatment.
"Among the players' other issues early in the year, per team sources, was that afternoon offensive meetings frequently ran long and got in the way if players needed treatment. Bieniemy's initial concession was to allow players to use foam rollers on the floor of the meeting rooms to save meeting time, per a team source. In recent weeks, Bieniemy has relaxed some of the demands, including shortening Wednesday practices from two hours to closer to an hour and a half."John Keim and Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Some of these Commanders' players have been institutionalized in mediocrity or worse for so long. Bieniemy is exactly what this franchise needed, but there is a level of softness and an unwillingness to commit that even the two-time Super Bowl winner couldn't remove.
Whether Bieniemy gets the head coaching job or not, this attitude shouldn't go unnoticed by the new decision-makers. Don't be surprised to see major personnel changes on this side of the football before 2024.
Ron Rivera at peace with Commanders tenure
Ron Rivera's future is the big talking point among Washington Commanders fans right now. The head coach is currently overseeing his fourth consecutive losing season after last Sunday't home thumping against the Miami Dolphins, which was full of the same problems that have blighted the organization under his leadership.
This wasn't the easiest job for Rivera to undertake. He wanted to get back into work quickly after being fired by the Carolina Panthers, but operating under Dan Snyder's dark cloud represented an opportunity most wouldn't touch after decades of disgrace.
There's also the small matter of Rivera's suspect roster building to consider. Whatever comes next for the former linebacker-turned-coach, Jeremy Fowler and John Keim of ESPN stated via sources that he is at peace with his accomplishments in Washington.
"Multiple team sources said they believe [Ron] Rivera is at peace with his tenure, a theme he alluded to in a Week 11 news conference. Four games remain for the front office, Rivera and his remaining players and coaches to prove themselves. The final two will come at FedEx Field against the San Francisco 49ers and the Cowboys, a pair of NFC teams headed for the playoffs and emblematic of the results Commanders fans expect Harris to deliver."Jeremy Fowler and John Keim, ESPN
In truth, Rivera's fate is all but sealed. Josh Harris' ownership group wants to implement changes more in keeping with their ambitions for the future. Something that could leave the current head coach and many front office figures on the outside looking in once the 2023 season ends.