Caleb Williams is a competitor. He wants to win, which is why the Chicago Bears‘ 1-2 start probably doesn’t sit well with him. He also probably doesn’t appreciate that the offense is the primary reason for this. They are 22nd in scoring (and two non-offensive TDs vs. the Titans aid that) and 30th in total yards. The running game is one of the worst in the NFL. Much of the blame for that falls at the feet of new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who was pinpointed as a probable upgrade to Luke Getsy.
That assessment has not proven remotely true. Fans are already eager to see him fired. Media experts have no clue what kind of offense he is trying to run. Now, it seems even Williams himself is losing patience. That was proven by a viral clip of him walking to the sideline after a missed deep shot to Rome Odunze. Clearly, he did not like the call and let the coaches hear about it.
Caleb Williams’ frustration is understandable.
Let’s review the situation. Chicago had just stuffed Indianapolis on 4th down to get the ball back at their own 37-yard line. After two runs by D’Andre Swift, they faced 3rd and 4. Instead of looking to get a 1st down to sustain the drive, Waldron dials up a deep shot to Rome Odunze, a low-percentage throw. While the 9th overall pick was open on the play, it was obvious he was the only viable option Williams could go to. Everybody else ran some variation of a curl near the 1st down marker that the Colts easily covered. No slants, quick outs, or shallow crosses.
At that point, the game was 7-3. Chicago had a great chance to take the lead, but that miss meant they went three-and-out. Indianapolis went on to score to make it 14-3 on their next drive. Caleb Williams understood the significance of the moment. They’d just wasted a golden opportunity to seize the momentum the defense had given them. Waldron’s lack of situational awareness was poorly timed. If he’s going to dial up a deep shot, do it on 1st or 2nd down. A miss would still give them another chance to continue the drive. Doing so on 3rd down meant either a big play or a punt. The Bears got the latter.
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If Williams could see that and Waldron couldn’t, this is going to create big problems.
Now Lambert is an expert offensive football mind huh? “There were no slants or quick outs or shallow crosses durrrr durrrr”…Lambert, wtf do YOU know about slants or curls or crosses? The play was open to hit Odunze deep. There also seemed to be a curl open for a quick 1st down.
You know what I find really interesting? During the off season when the Bears were looking for a new OC, Many people were excited about the fact that the Bears did not choose Cliff Kingsbury and instead went with Waldron. I can’t seem to understand the demand for instant turn around. Yes, it happens in some cases, but in the majority of cases, it take time for an offense to come together when they have a new OC, Rookie QB, 2 new WRs, and the existing players learning a new system. Oh, and let’s not forget that OL, I would… Read more »
Uhh, folks. This isn’t good. Per Brad Biggs just now on Twitter:
“Saw Eberflus and Caleb Williams get into it (physically) over a disagreement about OC Shane Waldron putting fish on his microwave pizza. Real tough scene at Halas Hall today.”
I’m on board as much as anyone with how bad Waldron has been. But on this specific play, CW should be mad at himself. The play design worked and Rome was open. CW threw a bad pass, period. I understand the debate on whether or not it was the right call. But when the play call works as it should, and the QB flat out misses the open WR, I don’t see how you can lay all the blame on the OC. Now plays like the 4th n goal speed option… yea those types of calls are what should get… Read more »
What is the culture in the war room? Is Waldron open to suggestions or any input from his players or is he a control freak? If it’s the latter an ego check might be in order.
Frustration has a way of compounding and spreading like a virus.