Commanders News: Sam Howell, Eric Bieniemy, Ben Johnson and staff change
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as excitement builds for their Week 13 game against the Miami Dolphins?
After a few days off to lick their wounds after an embarrassing Thanksgiving Day surrender to the Dallas Cowboys, players and coaches returned to the practice field on Wednesday as preparations mount for Week 13. The Washington Commanders face a daunting final challenge before the bye week, with the Miami Dolphins boasting one of the league's most explosive offenses that can put up significant points in a hurry.
This is an immediate test for head coach Ron Rivera after he assumed defensive responsibilities in the wake of Jack Del Rio's firing. Until then, the stories accumulating column inches include Sam Howell's excitement, placing confidence in Eric Bieniemy, Ben Johnson being linked with Washington's head coaching gig in 2024, and a notable staffing change.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders make a staff change
There was one eye-catching new face at Washington Commanders practice on Wednesday. The team confirmed that Jim Salgado had joined the staff to work with the defensive backs, who've gone through some complications this season with chunk plays in the passing game conceded almost at will.
Just how much the former Buffalo Bills secondary coach can help in such a short timeframe remains to be seen. A fresh set of ideas and eyes doesn't hurt, but the prospect of further complications emerging against the Miami Dolphins cannot be dismissed considering Emmanuel Forbes and Darrick Forrest are unlikely to participate through injury.