Shane Waldron‘s departure from the Seattle Seahawks after the 2023 season was not without justification. His tenure highlighted a critical misconception about former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll’s philosophy. Contrary to popular belief, Carroll was not opposed to running the ball; the real issue was Waldron’s excessive focus on the passing game.
A proficient offensive coordinator, like Ryan Grubb, would have the insight to tailor his strategy to fit his players, allowing for a balanced approach. It’s likely that Seattle’s offensive style will evolve throughout the season, particularly as they adapt to the strengths of their roster. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean a significant increase in their passing attempts.
For Chicago Bears fans, the concern lies with Waldron’s tendency to prioritize the passing game, potentially putting rookie quarterback Caleb Williams at risk. While Williams enjoyed a stellar college career, he still requires time to adjust to the NFL’s demands. With the Bears adding running back D’Andre Swift this offseason, Waldron should have leveraged this opportunity to create a more balanced offense, easing Williams into his new role.
Instead, Waldron’s insistence on a pass-heavy scheme appears to stem from his personal preference rather than a strategic approach beneficial to Williams or the Bears’ long-term prospects. In fact, as of 2024, the Bears have recorded the eighth-highest number of passing attempts in the league, which raises concerns about the impact on Williams’s development.
So far this season, Williams has completed 59.3 percent of his passes, accumulating two touchdowns against four interceptions. His performance suggests he might thrive under a different offensive coordinator.
Reflecting on Waldron’s time with Seattle, it’s notable that even with a largely healthy Kenneth Walker III, he opted to prioritize passing plays, ranking fifth in the league for attempts. This lack of offensive balance ultimately hindered the team’s efficiency, and now it seems Waldron is similarly jeopardizing Williams’s growth in Chicago. The Bears should consider making a change at the offensive coordinator position before Waldron negatively impacts their franchise quarterback’s development.
Interestingly, this offseason, Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba exhibited reluctance when discussing Waldron’s move to the Bears, indicating a lack of faith in his coaching abilities among Seattle players. It’s a sentiment that Caleb Williams might soon share. At least the Seahawks can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they are no longer under Waldron’s influence, which had the potential to stifle an otherwise promising offense.
In summary, Waldron’s approach in Chicago may lead to more harm than good, particularly for a rookie quarterback like Williams, who needs careful guidance as he transitions into the NFL. A more balanced offensive strategy could foster a healthier development path for the Bears’ young star.