The Washington Commanders officially introduced Eric Bieniemy as their new offensive coordinator on Thursday. Washington hired Bieniemy away from the Kansas City Chiefs after several years of great success. That included two Super Bowl Championships and helping to architect a dynamite offense behind two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes.
Bieniemy won’t have Mahomes any longer, of course. Instead, it’s likely that former North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Sam Howell will be the man under center. Howell made one start with the Commanders this season. He appeared in the final game against the Dallas Cowboys. But head coach Ron Rivera indicated that he is likely to be the starter in 2023.
Bieniemy chatted with reporters on Thursday about Howell and what he expects this season.
“Well, I can only base my evaluation on what he did coming out of college. Now I did have an opportunity to see him play in that last game against the Dallas Cowboys. The kid is a dynamic football player,” the new Commanders offensive coordinator said before continuing his praise. “He can make throws from different platforms. You can tell he has a baseball background.”
Eric Bieniemy on Sam Howell. pic.twitter.com/LVu1ZS3BPd
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) February 23, 2023
Bieniemy also revealed what fired him up about Howell in that game.
“The thing that got me fired up is when he ran in on that touchdown, he flexed, so, that was some good stuff,” he said.
It sounds like the two are going to start off on great terms when the 2023 Commanders season begins.
