Commanders News: Sam Howell, Eric Bieniemy, Jack Del Rio and Ron Rivera

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.