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Rivera: Some Commanders players 'concerned' by Bieniemy's intensity

The Washington Post / Getty

Some members of the Washington Commanders haven't had the easiest time adjusting to new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's coaching style, according to head coach Ron Rivera.

Rivera said Tuesday that players were a "little concerned" with Bieniemy's intensity, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

"I had a number of guys come to me, and I said, 'Hey, just go talk to him.' I said, 'Understand what he's trying to get across to you.' I think as they go and they talk and they listen to him, it's been enlightening for a lot of these guys," Rivera said.

Bieniemy explained later Tuesday that he'll be the players' "biggest and harshest critic" but also their "No. 1 fan."

"Yes, I am intense, and I would be afraid, too, at the start if I didn't know it. … I expect us to be the team that we're supposed to be. It's not going to be easy, but everybody's not going to like the process," Bieniemy said.

"I'm always going to be loud, and I'm always going to be vocal," he added. "I'm always going to demand from our leaders. … I want our guys to clearly understand that we're not taking anything for granted."

Prior to joining Washington, Bieniemy spent five seasons as the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive coordinator. The Chiefs won two Super Bowls and ranked in the top five in scoring on four occasions under Bieniemy.

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