Mike Greenberg and Domonique Foxworth have expressed their concerns regarding the Chicago Bears’ management of quarterback Caleb Williams following the dismissal of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. During a recent game, a moment captured Waldron and Williams on the sidelines, with Waldron appearing optimistic while Williams exhibited clear frustration, a reflection of the Bears’ offensive struggles evident in their 19-3 defeat against the New England Patriots.
The Bears’ decision to part ways with Waldron came after he had only one season in charge, tasked with maximizing the potential of Williams, the team’s No. 1 overall draft pick. Despite being initially seen as a promising hire who previously worked wonders with Geno Smith at the Seattle Seahawks, Waldron was unable to elicit consistent performance from Williams, who has shown signs of regression in recent weeks.
With Waldron’s exit, Thomas Brown has been promoted from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator. Brown previously had success in a similar role with the Carolina Panthers, a factor that influenced coach Matt Eberflus’s decision to elevate him. However, the Bears’ situation is compounded by the fact that this marks Eberflus’s third offensive coordinator since taking over the team in 2022, and he faces increasing pressure amid a three-game losing streak.
The Bears have struggled to find rhythm on offense, highlighted by their status as the only team in the NFL without a passing touchdown during their last three games. Williams has also faced his own challenges, ranking near the bottom in multiple key metrics among quarterbacks, including completion percentage and passing touchdowns. Holding onto the ball too long has been a chronic issue, reminiscent of his college days.
Eberflus has stated that he plans to work closely with Williams to improve his game and instill confidence amid these setbacks. “I want to take the temperature of him, where he’s at, where his confidence level is, which is high,” Eberflus mentioned, stressing the importance of guiding the rookie quarterback through this difficult phase.
As the Bears prepare to face a challenging series of division games in the coming weeks, there is hope that the shift in coaching strategy could lead to revitalized play for the team and its young quarterback. With a focus on more effective utilization of their offensive talent, including players like tight end Cole Kmet and wide receiver DJ Moore, the potential for improvement remains alive.
In summary, the Bears’ firing of Shane Waldron amid offensive struggles highlights the urgent need for a turnaround under new offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. Williams must adapt to these changes, but there is optimism that the adjustments may lead to better results as the team navigates a tough schedule ahead.