Here’s one way the 2024 Bears may differ from the 2023 team
Here’s one way the 2024 Bears may differ from the 2023 team
Chicago Bears brass — general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus — were clearly not entirely happy with the offensive output they received in 2023. They pink-slipped just about the entire offensive coaching staff and also decided a change was needed at quarterback.
They brought in offensive coordinator Shane Waldron from the Seattle Seahawks, and several of Seattle's offensive coaching staff members came over with him. They drafted a new quarterback and receiver, traded for another wideout, signed a new running back and tight end, and tweaked their offensive line.
Much more is expected from the Bears' offense this season, and while a lot hinges on Caleb Williams having the ability to execute, there's also something to be gleaned from this play-calling stat that Warren Sharp Tweeted today.
teams that called run plays the most often when losing in the 2nd half:
1. ATL
2. CHI
3. BUF
4. LAR
5. PIT
6. IND
7. TEN
8. NE
9. CAR
10. DET
11. DAL
12. CLE
13. PHI
14. NO
15. MIA
16. LAC
17. DEN
18. ARI
19. NYG
20. BAL
21. GB
22. SEA
23. LV
24. HOU
25. WAS
26. CIN
27. KC
28. TB
29. MIN
30. SF
31. NYJ
32. JAX
*2023 regular season
There may have been some trust issues between the offensive coordinator and the quarterback in 2023, but a conservative mindset may also have contributed to the extra reliance on the run.
Last year with the Seahawks, Waldron was ranked 22 in this category with his quarterback Geno Smith, receivers Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf, and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba, tight ends Noah Fant and Colby Parkinson, and running back Kenneth Walker III.
Do you expect Waldron's 2024 play calling to rank in the top half or bottom half of this stat at the conclusion of the 2024 season?