'I put my foot in my mouth': Commanders coach Ron Rivera walks back comments on Eric Bieniemy

One day after Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera admitted that some players "concerned" with new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's intensity had asked to meet with him, Rivera is walking back his comments.

Speaking ahead of the team's Wednesday training camp practice, Rivera told reporters "I put my foot in my mouth" before adding that "I wasn't as clear as I probably needed to be and I own that and that's on me."

In Tuesday's news conference, Rivera was asked about the intensity of Bieniemy. He said some players had approached him to address Bieniemy's coaching style and that he suggested the players talk directly with Bieniemy.

Tuesday afternoon, after the comments circulated online, many media and former players criticized the players on Washington for seemingly failing to take direct and pointed coaching and for going above Bieniemy's head to complain.

Commanders safety Kamren Curl posted a message Tuesday on social media that said "ain't nobody soft over here," seemingly in response to the criticism Washington's players faced after Rivera's comments. Rivera said he did not address the players about his Tuesday comments.

"We're aligned," Rivera said Wednesday. "As I've said many times since I hired Eric, I loved his overall message to the team his first day — that was basically that we have to learn to be comfortable when we're uncomfortable. Those guys on that side of the ball, things are uncomfortable. There's been a lot of change, and the entire way of doing things has changed on the offensive side. Change is hard and I've always encouraged our players to have great dialogue and build relationships with our staff.

"Since those conversations took place with Eric and the players, I've seen the improvements. The last couple practices have probably been the best of training camp, which I think is great. That displays how the team has embraced the message and how he does things and how he wants things done."

Bieniemy, 53, is entering his first season with the Commanders after his offense with the Kansas City Chiefs became one of the more explosive outfits during his five seasons (2018-22) as coordinator. He is also serving as Washington's assistant head coach and is in his 25th season as an assistant in the NFL.

Washington's offense ranked 24th last season in scoring (18.9 points per game), 28th in total yards per play (4.93) and struggled significantly inside the red zone.

What did Ron Rivera previously say about Eric Bieniemy?

"They have," Rivera told reporters Tuesday when asked if any players had to adapt or struggle with Bieniemy's style. "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. I mean, it’s a whole different approach.

"Again, you’re getting a different kind of player from the players back in the past, especially in light of how things are coming out of college football. So a lot of these young guys, they do struggle with certain things."

What has Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said about coaching style?

While some media and people on social media criticized Washington's players for going to Rivera, some of Bieniemy's previous players defended him. Current Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill, who starred under Bieniemy's direction while with the Chiefs, said Bieniemy "will make you better" in a social media post.

Bieniemy, for his part, did not deny that he adopts a direct style.

"Yes, I am intense," Bieniemy told reporters later on Tuesday. "Eric Bieniemy is who he is. Eric Bieniemy knows how to adapt and adjust. Eric Bieniemy is a tough, hard-nosed coach. But also understand, I’m going to be their biggest and harshest critic, but I’m also their No. 1 fan because I’ve got their back and I’m going to support them at all times."