How Eric Bieniemy is shifting the Commanders landscape in 2023

How is Eric Bieniemy shifting the Washington Commanders landscape throughout the early preparation period in readiness for the 2023 season?

Anyone that's been present throughout the early Washington Commanders OTAs this week will have noticed one thing perhaps above all else. That is the bellowing and unrivaled enthusiasm Eric Bieniemy brought to the table.

The assistant head coach/offensive coordinator has wasted no time in making his presence felt throughout the offseason. Bieniemy's risking a great deal by placing his future head coaching prospects on thriving with the Commanders, which is a big call to make considering the pending sale agreement that could see landmark changes take place across the board.

It's been business as usual for Bieniemy and other influential staff this offseason. The coach is holding everyone accountable, asking high demands of his players, and letting them know in no uncertain terms when standards are slipping for good measure.

Eric Bieniemy taking Commanders out of their comfort zone

When asked about Bieniemy's input and influence, head coach Ron Rivera stated via Sports Illustrated that the play-caller has quickly got everyone out of their comfort zone. Something that could be enough to raise performance levels when the real action arrives in 2023.

"Well, it's been exciting. EB is a high energy, high-impact guy. He doesn't hold in. He doesn't pull any punches. He's very direct with the players, which has been good. One of the things that we talked about was just changing the way we do things. It is different, and it is kind of getting us outta this comfort zone. I know he talked a lot about that during his press conference about being uncomfortable. I wanted to give him the opportunity to stick to what I told you guys and that he was going to be very involved in a lot of those things."

- Ron Rivera via Sports Illustrated

Bieniemy has been at one of the most dominant franchises around over the last decade, so he knows how a winning organization should be operating. Of course, success has been harder to come by for the Commanders, so having this newfound knowledge is a significant asset to call upon.

There's no doubt Bieniemy's presence and methods are holding weight with the players, too. Terry McLaurin spoke about how his new offensive guru is challenging everyone to be better and raising specific standards via Yahoo Sports, which is high praise from one of the team's senior figures.

"It’s been fun, challenging at times. But it has forced us to come in with a different level of focus each and every day because you’re learning something new. He (Bieniemy) definitely coaches hard… I wanted to put my best foot forward and make a good impression, knowing that he can trust me as a leader, as a player; I am going to do my job. I think his intensity is something we all feel so far."

- Terry McLaurin via Yahoo Sports

Obviously, this has been a steep learning curve for the players. Bieniemy is bringing a new scheme and doesn't suffer fools gladly, which is an added sense of urgency that could perhaps spark Washington's talented group to bigger and better things next season.

The Commanders' defense is going to be great - there's too much talent across the board to suggest anything else. Therefore, it's imperative that the offense doesn't become a weak link once again despite questions surrounding quarterback Sam Howell and the offensive line.

If there was anyone that could ignite the fire under this unit, it's Bieniemy. Something that would confirm beyond all doubt he has what it takes to become an NFL head coach.