After a hot streak from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has devolved into multiple games in a row where the team hasn't scored a touchdown, one of the biggest moves of the Matt Eberflus era was officially declared a calamitous failure on all levels.
Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was fired after going a remarkable 23 consecutive drives without scoring a touchdown. Williams' struggles against the New England Patriots were the final straw for a team that is likely going to wipe the slate thoroughly clean in the offseason.
The Bears should not e done overhauling things. Waldron's firing, if this team has any sense at all, should be the first in a line of changes meant to shake up the rest of the roster.
3 moves the Bears still need to make after Shane Waldron firing
3. Use DJ Moore vertically
While Moore has been a bit of a malcontent of late by showing subpar effort on the field, he's still the best player on this Chicago offense. Waldron's personnel usage ended up being his downfall, as he found a Pro Bowl wide receiver with great skill going vertical and used him like a washed Jarvis Landry.
This era will never work unless Williams and Moore get on the same page, by force if necessary. Williams is at his best testing defenses on intermediate routes over the middle, which is Moore's specialty. Time will tell if Brown is able to use their high-priced receiver in a way that makes some sense.
2. Get Cole Kmet more involved
Kmet was incredibly disrespected by Waldron and his offense. Not only were the Bears using Gerald Everett as much or more than him at certain points during the season, but they refuse to make him a primary part of the passing game despite Williams having some success when leaning on him.
Kmet would be a safe option over the middle that has more receiving juice than he has ever gotten credit for. Being unable to get Williams in rhythm is a big reason why the Bears are where they are, and Kmet could help correct this issue.
1. Fire Matt Eberflus
Eberflus is a tremendous defensive coach who will be employed as a coordinator two seconds after the Bears cut him loose. Amid this chaos, the defense still looks tremendous. Ultimately, his poor knowledge of offensive football and inability to manage the locker room is what will take him down.
Eight former Bears coaches have been fired or resigned in the last 14 months. The question the Bears have to ask themselves is "will Eberflus be the guy who can get the most out of Caleb Williams?" If the answer is no (and it sure looks to be trending in that direction), that's Goodnight Vienna for Eberflus' Bears tenure.