We’re only two weeks into the season, but the Washington Commanders’ offense looks like a powerhouse.
Give largely untested second-year quarterback Sam Howell some kudos. But the lion’s share of the credit should go to new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
The Commanders won their second consecutive game Sunday, racking up 388 yards of total offense in a 35-33 road win against the Denver Broncos.
Howell passed for 299 yards and two touchdowns, with no turnovers, and running back Brian Robinson Jr. had 129 total yards and two scores. But again and again, Bieniemy called the right play at the right time to keep the Broncos off balance.
The #Commanders owe Eric Bieniemy a game ball. He really improved the offense.
First time the team scored at least 35 points since 2020! pic.twitter.com/ShqmJxkWV8
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 17, 2023
The 54-year-old Bieniemy long ago proved his credentials, serving as offensive coordinator for the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs offense from 2018 through 2022.
Once again last offseason, Bieniemy surfaced as a candidate for several open NFL head coaching positions, and once again, he interviewed and didn’t get a job. Earlier this year, The Ringer determined Bieniemy had gone through 16 head coaching interviews, with 15 different franchises, in recent years.
The knock on him with Kansas City, fair or not, is that he ran an offense designed by head coach Andy Reid, with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and other stars making it purr.
Well, no one is comparing Howell, a fifth-round pick in 2022, to Mahomes, and Terry McLaurin is an underrated wide receiver, but he is not Tyreek Hill.
Bieniemy went viral on X (formerly Twitter) Sunday night, as fans talked about the Commanders’ offensive renaissance. If this continues, the speculation about Bieniemy finally landing a head coaching gig will become deafening.
Eric Bieniemy deserves to be a head coach. And it should be here in Washington. He’s the reason we’re back in this game #HTTC
— 𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗵𝗮𝗻 🪖 (@CommanderMaye) September 17, 2023
There wasn’t already.
But now there is absolutely no excuse why Eric Bieniemy shouldn’t be a head coach next year.
— Logan Reever (@loganreever) September 17, 2023
Eric Bieniemy should be entering his 3rd season as the the head coach of the @HoustonTexans
— Charles Murray (@Derek5on) September 17, 2023
I bet Eric Bieniemy is a head coach next season. I can’t believe he had to go out and prove himself like this.
— Bishop (@chi_lando) September 17, 2023
A complete Eric Bieniemy masterclass tonight #HTTC pic.twitter.com/Tl389X7dzt
— Mason Kinnahan (@Mason_Kinnahan) September 18, 2023
Eric Bieniemy is the best OC in the game
— Preme 🌟 (@RealTyMandela) September 17, 2023
Eric Bieniemy needs to be the Washington head coach next season he has called a masterful game. 35 points on the road after being down 21-3?? Pay him.
— Nato Jacobs (@dcmadness202) September 17, 2023
