Thought this was interesting enough to get a thread. An in depth look at Shane Waldron. I was thinking play calling was considered Waldron's weakness, turns out he's an elite play caller and one of the best OC's in the business, who would have thunk. He only became available because of the Carroll firing so the bears were smart to grab him. It is interesting to compare this view of him to what Hawk fans generally seem to feel. They generally blame the offense issues on the offensive line. In fact Waldron is given credit for working around the line issues and reducing them
In Waldron, the Bears get a brilliant offensive mind from the Shanahan tree (Sean McVay branch). Waldron has worked for Bill Belichick, Mike Shanahan, McVay, and Carroll. He is adaptable and innovative, has play-called experience, and has worked with a number of different quarterbacks, including Kirk Cousins, Jared Goff, Russell Wilson, and Geno Smith.
When Waldron has his entire menu at his disposal, he's one of the best play-callers in the NFL.
From 2021-23, the Seahawks' offense trailed only the San Francisco 49ers (Kyle Shanahan), Green Bay Packers (Aaron Rodgers/Matt LaFleur), Buffalo Bills (Josh Allen), and Kansas City Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes/Andy Reid) in EPA per play on early downs.
Waldron had incredible success on early downs this past season, showing an ability to hide a horrific offensive line by keeping defenses on their heels.
Waldron also has a proven history of dialing up explosive plays. From 2021 to 23, the Seahawks had an explosive pass rate of 14 percent, which ranks ninth in the NFL, and an explosive run rate of 14.5 percent, which ranks fifth. During that time, the Seahawks are also fifth in yards per play (5.5).
"I think he's an elite play-caller," an NFC scout whose team has faced Waldron's offenses several times told NBC Sports Chicago. "Really creative schematically. He's good at covering up weaknesses. Their offensive line really struggled this year, and I thought he was able to mask it as well as anyone. He's incredibly smart and versatile. That offense will succeed no matter who the quarterback is. He'll figure it out."
https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/ch ... ms/534594/
