Big Plays and Balance Coming to Bears Offense with Waldron Hire

Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty..

• The Bears hired Shane Waldron, former Seahawks OC, as their new OC which should bring more big plays and balance to the offense
• Waldron has led the Seahawks offense well the last 3 years, helping Geno Smith put up strong numbers
• Expect Waldron to utilize the tight ends more and bring creativity to playcalling
• Bears are interviewing DC candidates Chris Harris and Terrell Williams who have playing and coaching experience
• The writer expects the Bears to have a better 2024 record and make the playoffs in a tough NFC North division

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Hey there, fellow Bears Fans!

Now…

The Bears have hired former Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to lead their offense in 2024. This hire should have Bears fans excited, as Waldron’s offenses have emphasized big plays and balance between the running and passing games. Over the past three years calling plays for the Seahawks, Waldron helped quarterback Geno Smith put up the best numbers of his career, including over 4,200 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2021.

I’m expecting Waldron to unlock even more potential in Justin Fields, who has more natural talent than Smith. And with Fields missing 4 games, he put up solid numbers in 2022 – over 2,500 yards, 16 touchdowns. With Waldron guiding the offense and Fields’ continued development, his stats could resemble Smith’s best seasons in the new system.

What else does Waldron bring to the table? Creativity in his playcalling and utilizing all weapons, including tight ends. Waldron leverages tight ends both as blockers and pass catchers, with 12 personnel being deployed over 65% of the time in Seattle. This bodes well for Cole Kmet, the Bears top tight end who led the team in receiving, as well as backups Trevon Wesco and Ryan Griffin. Expect the entire Bears offense, especially Fields, to take a big step in 2024 under Waldron.

In addition to the Waldron hire, the Bears are searching for a new defensive coordinator after head coach Matt Eberflus gave up playcalling duties. They are interviewing two top candidates in Chris Harris and Terrell Williams. Harris is a former Bears defensive back who played under coach Lovie Smith in the mid-2000s. He offers inside knowledge of the system the Bears run. Williams has over 25 years of defensive coaching experience in both college and the NFL.

Both candidates could provide an injection of aggressiveness and experience that was lacking last season. The writer cites the Bears playing too much conservative zone coverage late in games, resulting in opponents marching down the field. Bringing in a veteran defensive playcaller would give the Bears defense an upgrade to pair with the offensive innovation Waldron offers.

What should fans expect from the 2024 Bears season with these new offensive and likely defensive coordinators? More balanced and explosive offense, continued growth from Fields, and most importantly, a playoff berth. The Bears play in one of the toughest divisions in football with Green Bay, Minnesota and Detroit on the rise. But with improved coaching and QB play, the arrow is pointing up for the Monsters of the Midway in 2024.

Bear Down Bears fans! and as always… PEACE!