A consistent theme has plagued the Chicago Bears when it comes to offense, summed up perfectly by a quote from my grandfather: “three downs and a damn punt!” It’s a legacy Bears fans have reluctantly passed down through generations—an offense that seems incapable of effectively throwing the football. From Rex Grossman to Caleb Williams, something has always been missing. Regardless of who’s under center, it’s a safe bet that they’ll struggle to keep pace with the average 21st-century offense. Ask any Bears fan on the street what they do during passing plays, and many will admit they hold their breath. Why? Because if there’s one scenario they’re all too familiar with, it’s a medium-to-deep pass that ends in an interception. I’ve encouraged Bears fans to grapple with these feelings and set them aside, believing a new day was on the horizon. But perhaps I spoke too soon.

Despite the loss, Caleb’s 363 passing yards were the most ever for a Bears rookie in a single game.

In the Bears’ recent loss to the Colts, the offense looked confused as to who they wanted to be. Some decisions, like the 4th and goal speed option, were enough to want to pull your hair out. So much so that even the most senior of reporters on the Bears beat could be heard saying “what the hell? Was that?” under their breath in the press box. It was enough to wonder the following: it is really that hard? We understand that running a professional football team is not something easy; it’s a job and the average person would not be able to do so. However, a large percentage of teams throughout the National Football League have put together offenses (in the past decade) that have understood how to make the best of a modern passing scheme.

So, why has it been so hard for the Bears to muster up a consistent offense that looks like it’s in the 21st century? The answer isn’t simple, but it starts with an identity crisis. Caleb Williams spoke to the media after yesterday’s matchup and noted that the Bears were “one small detail” away from turning this crisis into something better but fans must ask themselves, how many times have they heard or felt that way before? The Bears have cycled through offensive coordinators like a carousel since I was a child with each year bringing in a new scheme, a new philosophy, and a new playbook. Add in the past ten years and the same can be said of quarterback play. It isn’t that the Bears have been stubborn in starting over, they’ve done it several times but each times, there is a step back that prevents its growth.

Under the current Eberflus regime, the Bears have promised to install a more modern, pass-focused offense. Caleb Williams demonstrated this potential to an extreme, breaking a Bears rookie record with 363 passing yards in a single game. However, there’s a fundamental problem: you can’t run a 21st-century offense with an anachronistic mindset. This issue began with Ryan Poles’ neglecting of the starting offensive line. Drafting skill players and defensive standouts left the line vulnerable, and now it’s become a revolving door for defenders. When Williams drops back, it’s often a coin flip whether he’ll have time to go through his progressions or be forced to scramble for his life.

Then there’s the question of play-calling. The Bears’ offense frequently feels disjointed—one drive might feature all run plays, while the next is all passing. The lack of rhythm or identity in these calls is frustrating to watch. At times, it appears that Shane Waldron and Matt Eberflus are simply throwing ideas at the wall, hoping something sticks.

Matt Eberflus spoke on how “missed opportunities” cost them the game

This leads us to the heart of the matter: What’s next? Drafting a player like Caleb Williams and pairing him with weapons such as DJ Moore and Rome Odunze creates a litany of expectations. However, talent alone is not enough without a clear and coherent offensive plan. For the Bears to turn their early struggles around, they must establish and commit to a defined offensive identity.

This identity requires a balanced approach—relying on fundamental plays, not cute ones, in crucial situations, like short-yardage scenarios, and trusting your franchise quarterback to make plays. With this responsibility will inevitably come failure and Williams’ two interceptions against the Colts were far from ideal, but these growing pains are necessary. Without allowing Williams to learn from his mistakes, his development and confidence will stagnate.

Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron now finds himself under intense scrutiny. Unlike defensive coordinator Eric Washington, whose defensive unit has been exceptional, Waldron’s offense has yet to find its footing. Fans are impatient, eager to move past the trauma of recent seasons. The silver lining is that there were enough positive moments to suggest a path forward. If the Bears can address their issues with simple scheming and open communication, then a path may be charted forward.

- J

Is it that hard?