Washington Commanders' Loss to Giants Highlights Need for Change as Eric Bieniemy Awaits Head Coaching Opportunity
ICARO Media Group
In a disappointing turn of events for the Washington Commanders, their 31-19 loss to the New York Giants has brought into focus the need for a coaching change. Head coach Ron Rivera, who has yet to post a winning season in his four-year tenure, could be on the hot seat after the team's lackluster performance. The Commanders' ownership, eager to make their mark, may look to promote offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to the head coaching position in the near future.
Bieniemy, who has been eyeing a head coaching opportunity for some time, found himself a potential path to advancement when he joined the Commanders. Sunday's loss was not entirely Rivera's fault, as the team had traded away pass rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young, but it has put Rivera's future with the team in doubt. With a current record of 4-7, Washington's chances of making a playoff push are fading rapidly.
Although the Commanders' offense, led by Bieniemy, had a subpar showing with a high number of turnovers in Sunday's game, there is still promise in their quarterback Sam Howell's development. Prior to this week's games, Howell led the NFL in passing yards and had shown improvement in minimizing sacks and turnovers under Bieniemy's guidance. The offensive coordinator's ability to positively influence Howell's performance bodes well for his potential as a head coach.
Bieniemy's tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs was overshadowed by the team's standout quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Consequently, he sought a different route to secure a head coaching opportunity, which led him to Washington. While the Commanders' struggles have provided a narrow runway for Bieniemy to land on, it presents an opportunity for him to showcase his coaching prowess without jeopardizing the already-doomed season.
While there is always the possibility that Bieniemy may not work out as a head coach, Washington has ample time remaining in the season to assess his capabilities. Rivera, who has achieved success in his coaching career, may be due for a fresh start, and Bieniemy's audition could provide Washington with the clarity it needs to move forward.
In other Week 11 NFL action, notable performances included the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback Brock Purdy's stellar display against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, throwing for 333 yards and three touchdowns. The Buffalo Bills, after firing offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, bounced back with a dominant victory over the New York Jets, indicating potential resurgence. On the flip side, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans had a day marred by interceptions but managed to lead his team to a win against the Arizona Cardinals.
Green Bay Packers' quarterback Jordan Love showcased his improvement in a 23-20 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, positioning himself as a potential future starter. The Detroit Lions' Jared Goff struggled with three interceptions, but his late-game heroics helped secure a comeback victory over the Chicago Bears. Interim head coach Antonio Pierce's Las Vegas Raiders put up a strong fight against the Miami Dolphins, despite ultimately falling short. The Seattle Seahawks' loss to the Rams underscored the importance of a better play call at a critical moment.
Tennessee Titans' rookie quarterback Will Levis continued to struggle in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, raising concerns about his development. Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich's decision to reclaim offensive playcalling duties did not yield positive results in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Lastly, the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense faltered in a narrow defeat to the Cleveland Browns, intensifying questions about the job security of offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
While Week 11 had its share of ups and downs for various teams and players, the spotlight remains on the Washington Commanders as they navigate their coaching situation amidst a disappointing season.