The Washington Commanders were a mess offensively in 2023. Washington averaged 18.9 points per game, 24th in the NFL. The Commanders also were one of the NFL’s worst on third downs in 2022, with an average conversion rate of 35.2%.
A frequent complaint from Washington fans was the number of three-and-outs from the Commanders. Washington averaged 4.9 three-and-outs per game in 2022, per Stat Muse.
That lack of offensive productivity led head coach Ron Rivera to fire former offensive coordinator Scott Turner and turn the reins at quarterback over to young and unproven Sam Howell.
Eric Bieniemy, who won two Super Bowls as offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs, took over as Washington’s offensive coordinator/assistant head coach in February and has already had a profound impact on the Commanders.
Per Arjun Menon, the Commanders offensive three-and-out rate is way down through two games in 2023 under Bieniemy with Howell at quarterback. Washington is ranked No. 11 at 29%.
That’s a marked improvement for Washington. Yes, it’s early, but Howell is a major upgrade at quarterback over Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke, and Bieniemy has tailored an offense to suit the personnel.
Offensive three and out rates through 2 weeks. Bengals, yikes man pic.twitter.com/dZR0oUdVnH
— Arjun Menon (@arjunmenon100) September 20, 2023
Yes, there’s a long way to go, but you can’t argue that the Washington offense is trending in the right direction with Bieniemy.