The 2023 season has been a season of adjustment for Eric Bieniemy.
He became the Kansas City offensive coordinator the same season (2018) Patrick Mahomes took over for Alex Smith.
But now he likes the young quarterback he has in Sam Howell, in his new role as offensive coordinator/assistant head coach for the Commanders.
During his Thursday meeting with the media, Bieniemy conveyed, “I’ve watched Sam. I’ve watched him grow as a quarterback. I mean, he’s making plays. Has everything been perfect for him? No. But he’s making tremendous strides.”
Bieniemy was asked about the last five years he had Andy Reid, who still, in some sense, governed the offense. But now, he has been given entirely the Washington Commanders offense by Ron Rivera.
Bieniemy also said Thursday as if not only is Sam Howell growing, but he is as well, in his role of offensive coordinator/assistant head coach.
“It’s been a lot of fun, it’s been a lot of responsibility. Uh, a lot of communication that takes place between myself and our staff. On top of that, it is a collective group. Everybody is into it and helping build the game plan.”
The offense has certainly, at times this season, resembled a journey on a roller coaster, one week playing well, the next week really struggling. Sometimes one half does nothing much, and the next, moving the ball really well.
Bieniemy reflected that as well. “There’s been many highs, and obviously, you always look back on things and say, ‘You know what? Maybe we should have done this or done that. But you’re always evaluating yourself to make sure you are dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s, making sure you are making the right decisions at the right times for these particular situations that present themselves.”
The particular situation that will present itself this week is how many points will the Commanders need to score to stay in the game with the high-scoring Dolphins.
