Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines with one day remaining until their preseason opener at the Cleveland Browns?
It's an interesting time to be a Washington Commanders fan these days. New ownership brings excitement, but there is always a dose of drama to factor into the equation. That's how it's always been for the franchise over the years and something that will continue long into the future given the many pressing matters thanks to the mess left behind by Dan Snyder.
With one day left until the Commanders strap up and battle with the Cleveland Browns for their preseason opener, among the topics causing conversation include Ron Rivera's clarification, Jack Del Rio's ambition, Eric Bieniemy being accused of trying too hard, and Sam Howell ready for some live fire at last.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders QB Sam Howell will start at Browns
After getting the majority of first-team reps throughout training camp, the Washington Commanders are giving quarterback Sam Howell some extra experience in a game-day setting. The team confirmed he'll start their preseason opener at the Cleveland Browns on Friday evening, with Jacoby Brissett and Jake Fromm also expected to see some time during the warmup contest.
Howell is unlikely to play more than a series or two. He's got a lot of work in camp and even though the former fifth-round selection has just one career start under his belt, putting him in harm's way for too long wouldn't be the best course of action.
With Howell starting, one would also expect the Commanders' first-string offensive line to be on the field with him. It might also be worth giving his primary playmakers the same courtesy in pursuit of building chemistry.
Commanders HC Ron Rivera's clarification
Just when it looked like Ron Rivera wouldn't have to focus on anything other than football heading into the Washington Commanders' game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1, the head coach's comments regarding players being unhappy with Eric Bieniemy's coaching methods made national news. While the figurehead probably thought they were harmless at the time, that was not an opinion shared by everyone and came just hours before the play-caller was due to take the podium.
Rivera was forced to clarify his comments and offer an apology of sorts to Bieniemy during his media availability on Wednesday. This was done with a prepared statement and he also thought it had been blown out of all proportion based on his comments via Pro Football Talk.
"I basically told him I put my foot in my mouth. I think what I said wasn’t as clear as it needed to be. I think the understanding of it is just the fact that I think everybody’s making, in my opinion, a little bit more than needs to be made of this."Ron Rivera via Pro Football Talk
Perhaps Rivera is right about more being made of the comments than needed. But that doesn't change the fact he should have kept this in-house rather than airing the Commanders' dirty laundry in public.
Hopefully, this won't have any lingering impact on their relationship and everything can proceed on course with the regular season now firmly in sight. And as for the players, they need to get with the program and man up.
Commanders DC Jack Del Rio's ambition
While there are still some questions for the offense to answer, the Washington Commanders can relax safe in the knowledge their defense is going to be one of the league's best units once again in 2023. Obviously, health will play a key factor, but with Chase Young returning and two stud defensive backs coming into the fold, Jack Del Rio's group could even become No. 1 league-wide when it's all said and done.
When discussing his ambitions for the upcoming campaign, Del Rio stated via the team's website that a faster start is critical. The defensive coordinator also wants to see more turnovers, but he's been thrilled with the work ethic displayed by his players throughout their summer preparations.
"There's just a certain level of focus that we have kind of kicked in after experiencing some things. We've done that. Now it's time to start fast. Another turnover here or there in several of the ball games could make the difference between four or five wins or not. If you want to be great, there's no shortcut. You've gotta put in the work. Our guys have bought into that. We're all accountable. We're working hard together and improving. One thing we want to do is have a lot of usage, roles, packages…and we're building towards that right now with what we're doing. It'll be great to see them in live action."Jack Del Rio via Commanders.com
There are first-round picks everywhere you look on Washington's defensive front with the production to match. Couple this with some exceptional young talent in the secondary and it's not hard to see why expectations are through the roof for this group in 2023.
Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy 'trying too hard'
Eric Bieniemy is a passionate man. That's the way he was as a player and something he's been renowned for throughout an impressive coaching journey to date. His methods might not be for everyone, but the results are almost always positive and something that weeds out the men from the boys.
Bieniemy has high standards, does things with maximum commitment, and truly wants his players to reach their potential. Although this is a steep change of pace from the previous offensive coaches employed by the Washington Commanders, the need for a shift in approach was absolutely essential with so much on the line next season.
Radio personality Dan Patrick had a different view. His recent comments via The Spun accused Bieniemy of perhaps trying too hard in pursuit of proving worthy of a head coaching gig. Something that's eluded the respected figure so far despite multiple interviews in recent years.
"Eric Bieniemy maybe is trying too hard. He wants to prove himself. He wants to be a Head Coach one day. He's gotten passed up many many times - whatever those reasons are. Now he wants to say, 'Hey, I'm out from Andy Reid's shadow. I want to prove I can be a disciplinarian, I can run a team.' It almost feels like he's auditioning to be a head coach while being the offensive coordinator with the Commanders."Dan Patrick via The Spun
Patrick is entitled to his opinion. But this way of going about his business is something that's been synonymous with Bieneimy throughout his coaching journey - just ask Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, Travis Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes.
It won't please everybody. However, the Commanders have hired people-pleasers before with very little success attached, so this is just what's required.