Assessing How Shane Waldron Fits into Matt Eberflus' Offensive Coordinator Criteria
In the wake of the Chicago Bears' hiring of Shane Waldron as their offensive coordinator, it's clear that the move aligns with head coach Matt Eberflus' vision for the team's offensive strategy. Eberflus has emphasized the need for an offensive coordinator who can adapt to various challenges, both in terms of personnel and in-game situations, and Waldron seems to embody these qualities.
Eberflus recognizes the importance of adjusting the offensive scheme to fit the available personnel and circumstances throughout the season. Injuries and changes in the roster are common in the NFL, and a successful coordinator must be flexible enough to adapt to these shifts. Waldron's track record demonstrates his ability to do just that.
One way in which Waldron showcases his adaptability is not only in adjusting to changes in personnel but also within the game plan itself. He tailors his offensive approach on a weekly basis, depending on the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing team's defense. This ability to strategize and modify the game plan is a valuable asset for any offensive coordinator.
Waldron's tenure with the Seattle Seahawks serves as a prime example of his adaptability. During his time with the Rams, the team favored a significant amount of 12-personnel and even utilized 13-personnel due to their talented tight ends. However, upon joining the Seahawks, Waldron recognized the team's strengths lay in their wide receiving corps. He adjusted the offensive approach accordingly, relying less on tight ends and more on wide receivers like DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Another notable illustration of Waldron's adaptability is his handling of the quarterback position. When Russell Wilson's performance declined and subsequent attempts with him in Denver didn't yield the desired results, Waldron turned to Geno Smith, a journeyman backup quarterback. Smith's play under Waldron's guidance improved significantly, showcasing the coordinator's ability to work effectively with different quarterbacks.
Even when Smith got injured during the season, Waldron smoothly transitioned to Drew Lock, who delivered a crucial victory against the Eagles. This demonstrates Waldron's capacity to adapt to changing quarterback situations, a crucial aspect for the Bears, who face uncertainty regarding their quarterback for the upcoming season, whether it's Caleb Williams or Justin Fields.
While the Bears may need to bolster their receiving and tight end options to achieve a more explosive offense, they can rely on Waldron's resourcefulness to maximize the potential of their existing personnel. The Seahawks, despite having an impressive group of wideouts, only marginally outperformed the Bears in points and gained just a few more yards throughout the season.
Additionally, Waldron has proven resourceful in addressing operational challenges. When the Seahawks faced issues with pre-snap confusion and delays, Waldron implemented the use of wristbands with coded plays to streamline the communication process with the quarterback. This innovation ensured a smoother operation on the field, which is something the Bears, who have faced presnap penalties, can benefit from.
While Waldron may not have extensive experience developing rookie quarterbacks, his work with Jared Goff in helping him improve is noteworthy. He transitioned from being a quality control coach in Washington to a more hands-on role as a passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach with the Rams. Whether he is better suited to develop a rookie quarterback like Caleb Williams or elevate the career of someone like Justin Fields is a question the Bears will need to address as they approach the draft.
In hiring Shane Waldron as their offensive coordinator, the Bears appear to have found a candidate who aligns with Matt Eberflus' vision of adaptability and resourcefulness in guiding the team's offense. Waldron's track record and ability to adjust to changing circumstances make him a promising addition to the Bears' coaching staff as they aim to revamp their offensive strategy.
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