Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was asked why starting quarterback Sam Howell was benched in Week 16, and the coach did not sugarcoat the reasons behind the decision.
While the Commanders have struggled again in 2023, for at least the first half of the season, second-year quarterback Sam Howell was a bright spot. Under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, he showed some nice signs of development and had impressive showings in the team’s two games against rivals the Philadelphia Eagles.
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However, over the last five weeks, the young QB’s effectiveness has gone into a freefall as he has put up some of the worst games of his career in ugly losses to the Giants, Dolphins, and Rams. His poor performances led to being benched in their last two games and officially losing his starting role as the team heads into the final two games of the season.
- Sam Howell stats (2023): 15 games, 3,624 passing yards, 265 rushing yards, 24 total TDs, 17 INTs
With veteran Jacoby Brissett now set to finish the season as the leader of the offense, Bieniemy was asked why the staff decided to make the permanent change and the first-year OC kept it simple in his explanation.
“He just didn’t play well, and unfortunately that happens,” Bieniemy said. “And it’s not like anything you can put your finger on. But on the flip side of that, Jacoby steps in and he sparks a rally. The good thing is that you have a great quarterback room and those guys do a great job of supporting one another, and those guys are the biggest fans of each other.” And, obviously, it’s a tough situation, but I guarantee you Sam is going to be Jacoby’s biggest fan just as Jacoby was his biggest fan,” Bieniemy said.”
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The coach also offered up what Howell needs to do the rest of the year and in the offseason to turn things around and regain the starting job in 2024.
“What he needs to do is slow the process down, be a film junkie, keep asking questions, keep taking notes,” he said. “Sam has been the ultimate professional.”
