Washington Commanders 'Growing' With Sam Howell, Says Eric Bieniemy
One of the biggest issues for Eric Bieniemy and his Washington Commanders' offense in the early part of the season was protecting quarterback Sam Howell. Through the first seven games, Howell was a lamb to the slaughter as the offensive line couldn't hold their protection.
But in the last few weeks, that has changed, not by a considerable margin, but through those first seven games, Howell was sacked no less than four times a game. Over the last three? Howell has been sacked just seven times.
But what has been the catalyst in Howell getting better protection?
“I'll keep saying this, we're growing together as an offense," Bieniemy said. "I think the communication has been outstanding. I know sound like a broken record, but communication is the key to any successful relationship. The O-line, they have to stay in constant communication. So, when they're in communication, I know things are changing because now they're talking about certain issues that need to be fixed and how we going to do it.
"When they're doing that, that becomes infectious behavior, because now it ain't just the O-Line talking, now these guys are talking to the quarterback, now these guys are talking to the backs and the tight ends and the receivers. That's paying off. Like I said, those are the things that help build the chemistry that is needed to become a great team, and so, like I said, we're growing, we're growing, we just need to take the next step.”
With Howell now the beneficiary of increased protection, he leads the NFL in passing yards (2,783), which has taken some by surprise and Howell has used that to his advantage.
Commanders quarterback Sam Howell continues to show growth this season under Bieniemy's guidance.
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
As each game goes by, the former North Carolina star seems to be getting comfortable in Bieniemy's system and is operating it at the level his coach wants.
There were struggles early days, but as Bieniemy states, with each game, Howell is getting a better read on what defenses are doing to try and stop him.
“I think each and every week, his play has been better, his overall communication has been better," Bieniemy said. "I think everything is settling down for him and not to say he's there, but he's slowing the game down. He's learning how to process the information and translate exactly what he's seeing in the classroom and allowing that process to translate over to the field. You can see that growth."
The next step on the road to growth for Howell and the Commanders is the New York Giants at FedEx Field. After a poor 14-7 loss to Brian Dabolls team in Week 7, Washington will no doubt want retirbution.
With Howell and the offense starting to come together as a unit over the last three games as they haven't had under 350 total yards of offense, the Giants, who are comnig off a beatdown at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys, could be about to feel more pain.
Washington is at home, against a division rival, with a young quarterback who is starting to figure it out - Sunday can't come quick enough.
