Ron Rivera: I “own” my comments about players’ concerns about Eric Beniemi’s intensity in coaching captains

Ron Rivera clarified comments made Tuesday regarding the player’s concerns about the intensity of new offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy in practice, saying “I wasn’t as clear as I probably needed to be.”

“I’ve said many times since I hired Eric, I loved the general message he gave the team on his first day, and that basically was that we have to learn to be comfortable when we’re uncomfortable,” Rivera said during the reading. From a prepared statement in the practice of Wed. “And I think what’s happened to those players on this side of the ball, they’re uncomfortable. There’s been a lot of change. … Change is hard and I’ve always encouraged our players to have great dialogue and build relationships with our staff.

“Since I had those conversations with Eric and the players, I’ve seen the improvements. And I can honestly say that the last few workouts were probably the best of training camp, which I think is great. For me, it shows that the team is starting to embrace the message and the approach to how they do things and how We want to get things done.”

Rivera added that he “owns” his notes, including the mixed message he sent about Beneme and defense coordinator Jack Del Rio. He does not want to pit the curators against each other.

“I didn’t convey it properly and I met Eric,” Rivera said. “We had a great conversation and it was great. I think the most important thing is we’re all on the same page. … I’m fortunate to have such an experienced staff, guys like Eric and Jack, and a roster of guys who want to take this franchise to the next step. We’re working.” We are all about building a culture where players and staff respect each other’s opinions.”

On Tuesday, Rivera raised eyebrows when he said some players had approached him about Beniemi’s coaching style, and “were a little concerned.”

Rivera, who discussed those concerns without any pressure or specific question, on Tuesday also pointed out how there are alternative training tactics. He said that Del Rio “has a tendency to try to figure out guys a little bit more instead of, ‘Hey, that’s the way it’s going to be,’ that sort of thing.”

When asked Wednesday why he made the remarks, Rivera said he was trying to communicate how coaches do things differently.

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What do I make of Rivera’s recent comments

Rivera’s attempt to clarify his remarks on Tuesday seemed predicated on league-wide interest that followed more than one change of heart.

Yes, the coach admitted he could have communicated more clearly. Rivera also emphasized over and over again, as he did in the beginning, that Bianyemi’s approach and energy are essential and it works. He reiterated his appreciation of Benemi’s insight that “you have to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable”, and that there is evolution happening on the offensive side.

“You can’t deny that yesterday was good practice… and I think a lot of it was men realizing what they had to do,” Rivera said.

The coach and former linebacker with the Chicago Bears made a reference to Del Rio in his remarks about Benemi on Tuesday. If doing so indicated a direct comparison between the two coordinators, Rivera made it clear on Wednesday that it was unintentional.

“I was just trying to convey that we have our own way of doing things. And nobody’s better than the other. I had (Bears defensive coordinator) Buddy Ryan ride me for two years. I had (Beers coach) Mike Ditka ride me for nine. It’s just the way they did things.” “.

For now, consider this a minor note and not a new saga in a post-Dan Snyder world. First test on the field on Friday in Cleveland playing quarterback Sam Howell and the entire offense will be the focus, hopefully. – Stand

What is the Benemi training method?

There is intense, and there is mean. Benemi’s training style is firmly in the former category. So when practice updates focus on hearing the offensive coordinator’s voice continually go up, Rivera on Tuesday, before his news comments, initially referred to Bieniemy’s influence as “up” — it’s not negative.

He appeals to the running back to “FINISH,” as in to keep pressing for the end zone, even if it’s stopped at first. Sometimes Benemi has yelled for a starting offense or has some players walk out of the huddle when unhappy with their approach.

However, the question is whether this level of intensity is appropriate for all players or is it sustainable over a long season. At the moment, players have spoken positively about Benemi’s style when asked publicly. Stepping back, Antonio Gibson said that fast practices require an adjustment period. Gibson has also indicated that he feels he is in the best shape of his career.

So it’s not surprising that some players have expressed concern, though we don’t know when they spoke to Rivera (OTA? Mini-camp? Monday?). Rivera’s sudden sharing of information is another story. – Stand

background story

Washington named Bienemy as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator in February. Bienemy has been with Kansas City since 2013, first as linebackers coach and then, starting in 2018, as offensive coordinator. He won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs in 2020 and 2023.

Washington went 8-8-1 last season in the NFC East competition. The Commanders averaged just 18.9 points per game, 24th in the NFL.

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(Photo: Jeff Burke/USA Today)