Some Commanders players took issue with OC Eric Bieniemy's approach

Some Washington players, Rivera suggested, experienced culture shock when adjusting to Bieniemy’s coaching style.

Rivera explained, “It's a whole different approach... I mean, guys coming from certain programs are used to it. Guys coming from other programs aren't as much.”

While declining to go into detail about which players had an issue with Bieniemy's style, Rivera had his coach's back by telling them to, "Just go talk to him... Understand what he's trying to get across to you."

But he also suggested Bieniemy has room to improve. When comparing him to defensive coordinator and former NFL head coach Jack Del Rio, Rivera said, "Having been a head coach, I think Jack has a tendency to try to figure guys out a little bit more as opposed to, 'Hey, this is it, this is the way it's going to be," that type of stuff. Eric hasn't had that experience yet."

What Bieniemy lacks in head coaching experience he makes up for in his experience working alongside Andy Reid on two Super Bowl-winning teams in Kansas City. 

He wasn't hired by Washington to be a cheerleader but to improve a team that ranked 20th in total offense and 24th in scoring last season.

The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala later provided context to Rivera's claim, further detailing Bieniemy's approach.

Former Washington player Brian Mitchell ripped the narrative that Bieniemy is too tough on Commanders players. 

While he's correct, Rivera was the one that helped push the narrative, not the fans. And the moment the Commanders' offense struggles, people can point to Rivera's statement as a reason for the unit's underperformance.

Instead of blame falling on Bieniemy's shoulders in that scenario, however, it should fall on the players who have a problem with their offensive coordinator. Bieniemy is simply doing his job.