Sam Howell and Eric Bieniemy could be a match made in Commanders heaven

A blossoming relationship between quarterback Sam Howell and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy could be a match made in Washington Commanders' heaven.

After a nervous wait to see what the Washington Commanders would do at the quarterback position this offseason, Sam Howell's fate is much clearer. The former fifth-round pick got a supreme vote of confidence from head coach Ron Rivera and although the team added free-agent Jacoby Brissett, it would be a surprise if he wasn't under center for their Week 1 home clash against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field.

There is an enormous sense of intrigue about what Howell could bring with a prolonged run of games. Sitting and learning as a rookie obviously helped based on his one start against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18, which was enough for Rivera to put his future job prospects on the signal-caller's shoulders.

Hopes are high for Howell, who stated how keen he was to maximize such an outstanding opportunity next season. Having an accomplished offensive play-caller such as Eric Bieniemy leading the charge is another major positive that shouldn't be overlooked.

Sam Howell looking to take Commanders forward under Eric Bieniemy

When speaking to reporters via The Bleacher Report, Howell made his admiration for Bieniemy known. The one-time North Carolina standout is also hoping the offensive coordinator's success with the Kansas City Chiefs can have a positive impact on his own career prospects.

"But the work starts now. I got to take advantage of the opportunity I do have and do everything to try and give this team a chance to win every time single game that we play. I am a big fan of his, just listening to him talk here I am super impressed with just the man he is. Obviously, he comes from a team that's had a lot of success, especially on the offensive side of the ball so I am just excited to learn all that stuff and get started with him."

- Sam Howell via The Bleacher Report

Asking Howell to become Patrick Mahomes is unrealistic. But there's nothing to suggest he cannot emerge into a productive player under Bieniemy's tutelage.

Howell is accurate, has a release that gets the football out quickly, and goes through his progressions well. The Commanders also have an abundance of weapons at the wide receiver position and running back to make life easier for their new man under center.

Much will depend on whether Washington's revamped offensive line meets their end of the bargain. The last thing Howell or Bienemy need is suspect protection having an adverse effect on their personal development, which played a leading role behind Washington's eventual demise in 2022.

Howell and Bieniemy could become a match made in heaven if everything comes together quickly. There is a lot of hard work ahead for the entire offense with so much at stake and the prospect of new owners coming into the fold should be enough to raise the level of urgency across the board.

The Commanders moving forward with Howell is unlikely to happen unless it gets a seal of approval from Bieniemy. What's important for the signal-caller is repaying this faith and guiding Washington to a profitable campaign.