The Commanders need to protect Sam Howell better.
The Bears and then the Falcons both far surpassed what they had done in any game this season going up against the Commanders offensive line.
Even more, the Giants had only generated five quarterback sacks in the first six games! But against Washington? The Giants sacked Howell five times in the first half!
We have heard ad nauseam how the problem was not the line but Sam Howell holding the ball too long.
Against the Giants, it was so bad there were passing plays when Howell looked to not even be able to conclude his drop without being pressured by someone in a navy jersey.
You can’t just blame Howell for Sunday. The offensive line was repeatedly beaten; what’s more, new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy continued to have Howell simply drop back.
Where were the screens to running backs? The wide receiver screens forcing the Giants’ front seven to chase plays down from side to side? Why was Howell simply dropping back and not being provided a moving pocket by Bieniemy?
Bieniemy was brought here and praised nationally as an offensive mastermind, a man who has been cheated out of not yet being named an NFL head coach. Sadly, on Sunday, Bieniemy did nothing to help his resume.
For 12 Commanders possessions, the offense did virtually nothing. They couldn’t run the ball between the tackles or wide. The same could be said of the passing game. Sam Howell looked helpless out there!
- 3 plays 3 yards
- 3 plays 4 yards
- 4 plays 15 yards
- 3 plays -5 yards
- 4 plays 20 yards, interception
- 3 plays 0 yards
- 3 plays -10 yards
- 3 plays, -1 yard
No wonder Ron Rivera wanted off the field at halftime.
The third quarter began, but again, it was only 3 plays, this time for 6 yards.
What do you know, the Giants muffed a punt, the Commanders got the ball at the 21-yard line and scored on a Brian Robinson run.
But then it continued again. 5 plays for 21 yards and 3 plays for 8 yards.
Twelve possessions and the Eric Bieniemy-designed offense had generated only a mere five first downs and 107 yards on 43 plays, for 2.7 yards per play.
Washington did manage to drive the ball on their last two possessions, 81 and 85 yards. We praise the offensive unit for gaining 166 yards on their final two possessions.
Yet, they came away with no points on either possession.
Sunday, the Giants defense looked to be much superior to Washington’s offense. The offense didn’t look prepared, nor did they make the necessary adjustments.
Commanders Wire is pulling for Eric Bieniemy, but are we to ignore how badly out-coached the Washington offense was Sunday? Hasn’t Bieniemy’s honeymoon period come to a close? Shouldn’t he be held accountable as well?
