Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as the final twist in the sale saga officially looms large?
Washington Commanders fans worldwide received some welcome news heading into the weekend. Something that will finally spell the end of Dan Snyder's association with the franchise once and for all.
Among the stories generating debate recently include Washington's sale approval date set for next month, Ron Rivera on Eric Bieniemy's head coaching chances, Kareem Hunt staying ready, and Dyami Brown pushing for a more prominent role in 2023.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders throw support behind Eric Bieniemy
There's been unfair skepticism about Eric Bieniemy's chances of succeeding as an NFL head coach. Despite contributing significantly to Patrick Mahomes' development and the Kansas City Chiefs becoming a mini-dynasty, there was something preventing other teams from giving him the top job.
Moving out of Andy Reid's shadow and running an offense should be the final hurdle Bieniemy must overcome in pursuit of a well-deserved promotion. But Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera made clear in no uncertain terms his feelings on the matter via The Bleacher Report.
"I will be very blunt about this. There's no reason [Bieniemy] shouldn't be a head coach in the NFL."Ron Rivera via The Bleacher Report
Rivera is tasking Bieniemy with many different responsibilities in keeping with what head coaches are given daily. This is preparing him for the next step and is a challenge the play-caller has relished so far.
If everything clicks into place as the summer goes on heading into the regular season, then the relationship between Rivera, Bieniemy, and their players should blossom. And that's a win-win for everybody.
Commanders seeing improvement in Dyami Brown
Eric Bieniemy's presence has changed everything on offense in a short space of time. The respected coach raised standards, increased tempo, and gave every player on this side of the football a sense of urgency that wasn't there when Scott Turner called the shots.
Everyone's been provided with a clean slate of sorts. If they do enough to impress, then the Washington Commanders and their new, creative play-caller will find ways to get them involved frequently.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated via USA Today Sports, wide receiver Dyami Brown could be in line for more targets under Bieniemy. This is thanks in no small part to excelling throughout early off-season workouts and displaying a high level of commitment.
"The new coordinator has brought an urgency and attention to detail and energy to the unit, with the message clear that every player has to prove himself all over again. In particular, it’s brought the best out in third-year receiver Dyami Brown (who had a great summer as a rookie, but got hurt and has been a little lost since), and excitement over what Bieniemy will be able to do with his tight ends after coaching Travis Kelce in Kansas City."Albert Breer via USA Today Sports
This could be the opening Brown's been waiting for. The physical traits have never been in question, so Bieniemy's ability to maximize talent at his disposal and Sam Howell under center - who played with the wideout at North Carolina - might be the springboard needed.
Kareem Hunt staying ready amid Commanders rumors
When a report surfaced about the Washington Commanders making contact with Kareem Hunt's representatives, it was met with a mixed reaction among fans. While the free-agent running back has the credentials, some sections of the fanbase want the money spent on problem positions rather than a luxury.
Hunt's previous connection with Eric Bieniemy from their time together on the Kansas City Chiefs only fanned the flames further. Whether the veteran would be willing to accept a complimentary role alongside Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson is another matter.
When asked about what the future holds at his recent football camp, Hunt stated via The News-Herald that he's staying ready in the event a concrete offer comes along. Until then, it's a case of enjoying family time before joining a team in the not-too-distant future.
"I’m just being patient. I’ve had some things come up. But right now, I’m enjoying my time with my family. I’m training and working hard and just staying ready. I’m not frustrated at all. It’s going to work itself out. Right now I’m just here to enjoy time with my family and show these kids a good time at this football camp. I know it’s all going to work out at the end of the day."Kareem Hint via The News-Herald
The Commanders could be Hunt's next destination - especially if Bieniemy has any say in the matter. But landing on an organization with more promising chances of contending could be preferred from the player's standpoint.
Commanders sale could go through on July 20
After months of back and forths between Dan Snyder, Josh Harris' ownership group, and the NFL, we are now in the final few weeks before the Washington Commanders officially fall into new hands. Something that will spark scenes of jubilant relief among the fans and provide genuine hope for a better future,
According to a source speaking with the Associated Press via FOX 5 D.C., the league has set a meeting next month to potentially vote on the $6.05 billion purchase, which would be a record. This also indicates that the NFL's finance committee is set to give the transaction a green light following their meeting with Harris and Mitchell Rales in New York recently.
"NFL owners are set to meet July 20 to consider and potentially vote to approve the sale of the Washington Commanders, a person with knowledge of the situation said Friday. The person said teams were notified Thursday of a special league meeting that will take place in Minneapolis. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the league meeting was not announced."AP via FOX 5 D.C.
This has been a long time coming, to put it mildly. Harris' group has been forced into slight alterations regarding their bid in terms of how it was structured financially, but there is now light at the end of the tunnel and fans can start moving forward with a sense of optimism at long last.
As for Snyder, he walks away with a healthy profit. But he should also fully realize his ownership tenure was one of the worst in sporting history.