Commanders News: Sale update, Daron Payne, Eric Bieniemy and ESPN rankings
By Dean Jones
Commanders slip in ESPN's power rankings
Despite the positivity surrounding the Washington Commanders' fortunes off the field, there remains some skepticism about what the team might be able to accomplish between the lines in 2023. Something that will likely determine whether Ron Rivera sticks around beyond the upcoming campaign.
This was reflected in ESPN's latest power rankings, which shifted the Commanders down two spots post-draft to No. 24 league-wide. When asked about where Washington has improved the most, beat reporter John Keim singled out Eric Bieniemy and the offensive coordinator position.
"[Eric] Bieniemy will be the primary playcaller in Washington, where the players had lost confidence in [Scott] Turner. Bieniemy's adherence to details and demanding ways should be welcomed, along with his energy. In the past three years combined, the Commanders rank 28th in points and 27th in yards. "
- John Keim, ESPN
There seems to be an awful lot riding on Bieniemy thriving with additional responsibilities on his shoulders. The Commanders shelled out big bucks and gave the offensive mind everything he could possibly want to convince him this was the place to bolster his future head coaching credentials, so the ramifications will be severe if things don't go according to plan.
The signs are positive right now. But much will depend on the offensive line upgrades working out and the obvious questions surrounding Sam Howell being alleviated.