Eric Bieniemy has brutally honest quote about Sam Howell benching

Jul 27, 2023; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy waves to fans while walking to the fields prior to day two of Commanders training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Commanders made the decision to bench quarterback Sam Howell following Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy did not mince words when explaining why.

On Thursday, Bieniemy told reporters that there was no one thing that led to Howell’s benching, but that the quarterback had simply played too poorly for the team to stick with him.

“He just didn’t play well, and unfortunately that happens. And it’s not like anything you can put your finger on,” Bieniemy said, via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “But on the flip side of that, Jacoby (Brissett) steps in and he sparks a rally.”

As harsh as Bieniemy’s commentary is, there are few that could argue with it. Howell had just two touchdown passes in his last five games, and the offense woke up immediately when Brissett replaced him.

Bieniemy suggested that Howell still has a bright future in the NFL, but the Commanders’ actions suggest they are ready to look for a new quarterback, with one draft prospect already being linked to them.