In a move aimed at revitalizing their ailing offense, the Chicago Bears have parted ways with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Waldron's tenure with the team was marred by underperformance and internal discord, as the Bears have consistently languished near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency. The decision to dismiss Waldron reflects a broader effort to realign team strategies and boost morale.
A Struggling Offense
The statistics paint a grim picture of the Bears' offensive struggles this season. With a dismal ranking near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency, the team has struggled to gain yards consistently and convert critical plays. Currently, the Bears sit among the bottom three teams in yards per play at a mere 4.3. Their third down conversion rate is equally concerning, standing at just 28.7%, which has severely hampered the team’s ability to build momentum on offense.
The Bears' inability to protect their quarterback has further compounded these issues, as they have allowed a staggering 38 sacks this season. This lack of protection has not only impacted the quarterback's performance but has also limited the offensive play-calling options. The result has been an anemic offense that has failed to score a touchdown in its past two games.
Internal Tensions
The decision to dismiss Waldron was not solely based on the team's on-field performance. Reports of internal discord and dissatisfaction with Waldron's leadership and strategies have surfaced, highlighting the challenges that extended beyond the field. Players have voiced their concerns, with D.J. Moore noting, "I want to say probably when we want to call it's probably like a drive too late or like we wanted to make adjustments and we just wait till halftime to make it and then we don't get the same looks."
Another factor contributing to the internal tensions was Waldron's perceived leniency during team preparations. Keenan Allen reflected on this, saying, "I would say just probably he was too nice of a guy. I think during OTAs, training camp, he kind of fell into a trap of letting things go, not holding people accountable. Obviously those things lead to a slippery slope." These sentiments underscore the broader challenges the team faced in fostering a disciplined and accountable environment.
A Turning Point
The organization reached a critical juncture in September following a loss to the Indianapolis Colts, prompting a meeting with the team's leadership council. It was during this discussion that head coach Matt Eberflus acknowledged the lag in achieving desired outcomes, reinforcing the necessity for change. Eberflus expressed the players’ frustration and eagerness to improve, stating, "They just want to do more. They just want to do more. They want to be more productive. More effective. Score points for our football team. Just do more as a group and then more individually in terms of helping the group."
Eberflus further elaborated on the urgency that the situation demanded, noting that adjustments and changes "just didn't happen in a timely fashion." The dismissal of Waldron is a clear message from the Bears' management: a recalibration of strategy and a resurgence in team morale are imperative as the season progresses.
While the next steps for the Bears' offensive scheme remain uncertain, the team will need to work quickly to address these shortcomings. The leadership's decisive action suggests a commitment to revamping the offensive approach and creating an environment where accountability and performance take precedence. For the Chicago Bears, the hope now shifts to leveraging this pivotal change to ignite a turnaround in the season, with the ultimate aim of moving up from the bottom rungs of the league standings and reinstating themselves as competitive contenders on the field.