Expert Warns Chicago Isn’t Ready For The Real Shane Waldron
The Chicago Bears knew they needed to make changes on offense after a frustrating 2023 season. Too often the unit fell flat in the second half, unable to build on strong starts. For once, the team didn’t pin the blame on one person. Quarterback Justin Fields was traded to Pittsburgh, and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was fired. Head coach Matt Eberflus wanted a fresh start with new perspectives. He wanted somebody who could get the offense into a rhythm more regularly and elevate the quarterback position. After careful research and several interviews, he settled on Shane Waldron.
The decision felt like a sensible one. Waldron came from Seattle with three years of proven experience. He elevated Geno Smith from a draft bust and career backup to a Pro Bowler in 2022. He worked under QB guru Sean McVay for years with additional education from Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll. The guy coaches multiple offensive positions as well. However, don’t let the background fool you. Raymond Summerlin of Sharp Football Analysis showed through data that Waldron will be a massive departure from Getsy.
And Chicago’s entire offensive tradition.
“There were big changes to this offense in the offseason including the addition of Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator.
Waldron spent three years as the coordinator in Seattle, taking the standard path of Pete Carroll OCs during his later years with the Seahawks.
Waldron started conservatively with a 48.3% neutral pass rate in 2021, bumped that up to 59.2%, fifth in the league, while helping Geno Smith to his best season in 2022, and then was reined back in by Carroll a bit with a 55.6% rate last season.
Given he comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree, expecting him to be in that 55% range for neutral pass rate makes sense, which would be a big departure for the Bears.
Over the last three years, the Bears ranked second to last with a 46.1% neutral pass rate.”
Shane Waldron already gave you a taste in the preseason opener.
Chicago threw the ball 20 times in the win over Houston and ran it 15 times. That works out to a 57% pass rate, which is right in the abovementioned wheelhouse. Brett Rypien threw three touchdowns, finding a rhythm early. People overlook how efficient the run game was despite the decrease in volume. Chicago averaged 5.7 yards per carry. Waldron seems to subscribe to the idea of throwing more frequently to get his quarterback going while sprinkling in occasional runs to keep the defense honest.
It is hard to argue with this approach. People begged Getsy to use it more often last season to help Fields. It never happened. Chicago stuck to a ground-first approach. While they once again had a strong rushing attack, it didn’t translate to better drives and more points. Shane Waldron can fix that with his approach. His offense is much more of an ally to the quarterback. Caleb Williams will throw the ball early and often. Fans wanted the Bears to join the 21st century. This coordinator will drag them there, whether they have second thoughts or not.