The Chicago Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron on Tuesday morning after just nine games in the role. Before the season, the Bears interviewed Washington’s OC Kliff Kingsbury, Tampa Bay’s OC Liam Coen, and Atlanta’s OC Zac Robinson, ultimately hiring Waldron. Now, after firing him, the Bears’ coaching situation continues to be in turmoil. For rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, this marks his second offensive coordinator change, and his first NFL season is only halfway through. Chicago’s instability is concerning.
More issues in Chicago?
What’s even more troubling are reports from ESPN 1000’s Silvy, revealing that some Bears veterans approached team leadership at Halas Hall, suggesting the Bears bench Williams in favor of backup QB Tyson Bagent. The question is whether these veterans are trying to protect Williams or if they have doubts about his ability as the starting quarterback. Although head coach Matt Eberflus confirmed on Monday that Williams remains the starter, another rumor from last week’s humiliating loss to New England raises questions about Williams’ standing in the locker room. This incident could point to tension within the team, suggesting that Williams may not be as well-liked as some assumed.
The optics aren’t great for Caleb Williams.
The moment I’m referring to occurred near the end of the Patriots game, when Caleb Williams was sacked and left lying on the field. Not a single Bears lineman came over to help him up. The link to this play is below.
https://x.com/dave_bfr/status/1855784886088376751
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However, a Patriots defensive lineman can be seen helping Caleb up with a smile, followed by a condescending pat on the head, which certainly doesn’t look good. On its own, this play is concerning. But there have been multiple instances this season where it seems players are frustrated with Caleb Williams, particularly DJ Moore, who has expressed frustration in several games already. DJ was known for being easygoing, so it raises questions about what’s happening in Chicago this year. Some fans and even media members speculate that certain Bears players may not like or believe in the rookie quarterback.
Is this speculation fair? Given the evidence so far this season, I think it’s reasonable. If any of this is true, it’s a serious issue for the Bears, especially considering they invested the number one overall pick in Caleb. If players are already losing faith, it could have devastating consequences for Chicago’s future.
Matt Eberflus responds.
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin asked Bears head coach Matt Eberflus about this specific play, and here’s what he had to say.
“I know our guys are together. I know our guys care for each other. I know our guys have each other’s back. I know that because we’re in the room with them, and I have no doubt about that.”
It’s the usual response you’d expect from a head coach, but I’m not entirely sure it will silence the criticism surrounding the Bears and rookie QB Caleb Williams.
I can’t imagine his O line purposely left him lying on the ground. I didn’t see it but I would imagine they weren’t paying attention. Especially seeing as they gave up 9 freakin sacks. This team is doing Caleb 0 favors. They’re going to get this kid hurt bad. I can understand the point of starting Bagent to protect Williams, but Caleb needs to be out there to get these reps. They have to do something about this line. Hopefully Thomas can actually make a freakin competent game plan to get the ball out of his hands quick. Get this… Read more »
Wow. Ton of speculative articles coming out about inside scoops. The Chicago media is salivating like Marmaduke over some raw beef. So we’ll have to see if new OC Brown can get the ball moving somehow. We had 4 of 5 starting O-Line out w. injury Sunday which in Chicago means everyone should be fired. Here’s my observations on Caleb lately. On many occasions he has audibled to the run after reading the Defense and the run call got stuffed. Now I’ve seen it enough that I question: Is it poor blocking, a poor play design, or a poor decision… Read more »
@sam – preach it. This team plays like a Bear – a motheaten old Bear rug. They lay down flat and get walked all over. No effort and no pride from too many guys.
Well, my Bears suck. My Bruins suck. My Gators suck.
Personally, I’m crack-a-lackin’.
Barry, you really think a lot of your self as if anyone really cares. But I agree with you until I see otherwise. We now know that Mahomes would be a mess had the Bears traded down that year to get him later in 1st round. But Pace was so smart, that he traded the farm to move up 1 slot to get a guy that it turns out nobody wanted in the top 5. To your point, this can be called the Bears thing until they prove they’re willing to get competent people in the position of power. No… Read more »