The Chicago Bears took a calculated risk when they fired Luke Getsy this off-season, knowing they would have to reset the offensive scheme after only two years. Head coach Matt Eberflus felt that with a new quarterback coming in, they had to find somebody who could maximize him. Shane Waldron became the choice after the success he had with Geno Smith in Seattle over the past two years. In their first glimpse of his offense during the Hall of Fame game, fans got an idea of why the guy was likely the right choice.
The first example came with the Bears down 10-0. After reaching the Texans’ 19, they were facing 2nd and 1. Conventional wisdom says they run it for a first down. Instead, Waldron called for a shot at the end zone. He had tight end Stephen Carlson run a leak out to the left side while wide receiver Collin Johnson ran a vertical route up the seam. This put the defense in no-mans-land. As they moved to keep Carlson covered, Johnson split the coverage for a wide open touchdown.
The next play was another seam route, this time to tight end Tommy Sweeney. With two receivers wide to the right, Waldron had Sweeney matched up on a linebacker. He evaded contact and found an opening in front of the safeties for a walk-in touchdown.
Shane Waldron wasn’t afraid to be aggressive.
That stood out right away. He didn’t settle for the dink-and-dunk style that became pervasive in Getsy’s offense. When the situation dictated it, the coordinator gave his quarterback the green light to take some shots. It worked out. Chicago scored 14 points in the first half. Not only that, their running game looked sharp as well. Both Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert popped big runs. The pass protection looked solid. It was an exciting first glimpse of what the Waldron offense could be once the starters begin running it next month.
One thing to always watch is how the quarterbacks play. Tyson Bagent looked fine, and Brett Rypien looked excellent. He was calm and poised and made some excellent throws. This falls right in line with how others have looked under Shane Waldron. Keep in mind that he’s not even running the full breadth of his offense. Preseason is mostly vanilla stuff. For players to be getting this open anyway is a sign of good coaching. Fans should be more than encouraged by this start.
Funny, of all the GMs named in your post, @TGena which one has had back-to-back number 1 picks in the last 10 years? None of them but I’m not into “anal”-lyzing every draft and move for any of them. I may be wrong. It’s easy to take shots at a GM who has been in a position none of your favorites have ever been in. On top of that, it is in his first 3 years in the position. I’m not saying he’s a Mensa candidate. Nor am I suggesting that there are not a few miscalculations either. Gervon Dexter… Read more »
Let’s not get it twisted: I agree with @Dr. Melhus that hindsight provides us all with “20/20 vision.” And, that’s why I avoid it. But, remember: I warned you about: Lucas and Velus; Claypool and Leatherwood; Tyler and “. Waldo. .” and Gervon and Zacch, etc. — BEFORE any of them set foot on the field at Halas Hall. Add Swift and Amegadjie to this year’s list of questionable moves by the impetuous Mr. “you-know-who.” I’ve never been; and will never be an NFL GM — but this guy, Poles is a clown (and that’s the nicest word I can… Read more »
TGena’s badmouthing Poles is getting Sooooooo F’in old! Name one GM who doesn’t overpay or make bad moves?
As per the article…
Seam route was open! I said last year that Getsy should have utilized it more.
Some good signs. Great to see 6’6” Collin Johnson have a great night. With that size, he could be a matchup nightmare in red zone.
Heading out??? Pettis, Amen and Baskerville played poorly.
What do you think?
Something to consider. In other sports, paying at the top of the scale for great to elite players is commonplace(baseball is the prime example). Offer more than another team is capable or willing to offer to get your man (LA Dodgers, NY Yankees, the failed LA Angels, Phillies, Mets). It’s not so prevalent in football because of the volatility of position injuries, the number available, etc. I believe Poles traded a higher draft pick than others were willing to sacrifice when trading for Montez Sweat. Sweat and Swift were signed with the idea that a proactive approach would make sure… Read more »
Gena…already down on Swift…hasn’t even played 1 down for the Bears. Maybe it was Cunningham that pushed for him..or a pro personal scout….hummm do we have any idea? No. Maybe Waldron wanted him because he’s a good receiver out of the backfield. But let’s just blame Poles for something because it’s Friday.