Travis Kelce's glowing Eric Bieniemy reference should further excite Commanders

Eric Bieniemy's glowing reference from tight end Travis Kelce should further excite Washington Commanders fans ahead of the 2023 season.

Eric Bieniemy could be the difference between success and failure for the Washington Commanders in 2023. Their defense looks like it could once again be among the league's most dominant, so if the recent arrival from the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs can get a better tune out of this offense, a postseason spot is well within reach.

It won't be easy with the spotlight of new ownership glaring on Washington's every move. The Commanders also reside in the competitive NFC East, which sent three teams to the playoffs in 2022 and could do so again this time around.

Still, there's no doubt Bieniemy believes in Ron Rivera's project. After all, he's betting his future head coaching prospects on this significant gamble paying off in the biggest way imaginable.

Commanders are getting a dog with Eric Bieniemy

Bieniemy is being tasked with responsibilities more in keeping with a top job after emerging from Andy Reid's vast shadow. And based on comments made by Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on the Pardon My Take podcast recently via Yahoo Sports, the Commanders are getting a motivational force capable of spearheading major improvements across a talented offense.

"Oh yeah, baby, you guys are getting a dog. A dog. He’s a dog. He’s gonna fire up that team. I think he’s awesome for the core group of guys you’ve got. I’m sure you can ask Logan Thomas a few things since he’s had his little offseason with him so far. But I think what [Eric] Bieniemy does better than a lot of coaches is he’s very organized."

- Travis Kelce via Yahoo Sports

This attitude is something that's been evident throughout Washington's early offseason workouts so far. Bieniemy has raised standards, increased professionalism, and is holding even the most established stars accountable in front of their teammates if he feels like they aren't executing effectively.

Of course, there are other mitigating factors in play that might be out of Bieniemy's hands. Washington's offensive line needs to develop more cohesion, health to key figures such as Logan Thomas must enhance, and there's also the small matter of Sam Howell's distribution under center to factor into this complex equation.

If the Commanders do end up fluffing their lines, it won't be for Bieniemy's lack of trying. Every last detail is explored and identified in terms of preparation, something that Kelce hinted would find out those who aren't fully committed to the cause via JP Finlay from NBC Sports.

"He’s very organized, he’s going to make sure guys know what they’re doing. You’d be surprised how many guys go out there on the football field and are just fu***ng running around."

- Travis Kelce via JP Finlay/Twitter

Bieniemy took a calculated risk by joining the Commanders. He saw the talent at Washington's skill positions and the potential for growth under his expert guidance, but it's an important training camp for the organization after so many alternations to the offensive infrastructure.

If it all comes off, Rivera's job might be safe, Howell could be the long-term starter, and Bieniemy will go from often overlooked to a legitimate head coaching candidate during the next cycle.

A win-win for everyone.