Cubs News: Waldron on trying for a balanced attack, getting Keenan Allen the ball more |
LONDON, U.K. - The offense's communication was lacking in the first few weeks of the NFL season. But now, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and the rest of the offense are starting to get on track. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has also continued to improve.
He is coming off a game against the Carolina Panthers in which he had 304 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. “I think Caleb’s done a great job with his communication. (it) started in the offseason when he was able to build some connections with guys, and I think part of the quarterback’s job is to be that leader on the field and make sure everybody is on the same page. So, you’ve seen him continue to grow,” Waldron said. “It’s all about getting on the same page at the end of the day, so I think he’s done an excellent job with that. All the different looks that might present themselves, he’s been able to communicate that with (wide receiver) DJ (Moore), with (receiver) Keenan (Allen), (tight end) Cole (Kmet), all of our guys right there so that we’re all on the same page.” Getting the offense back on track also coincided with running back D’Andre Swift finding his rhythm against the Los Angeles Rams. He had 93 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards, and his first touchdown as a Chicago Bear. In fact, he now has a rushing touchdown in the past two games. To Waldron, this has shown the benefit of having a balanced rushing and passing attack. “I think every week, we’re always going to be looking for that balanced attack. So, starting with the run game, when we’re efficient with runs, that efficiency can lead to explosives,” Waldron said. “We saw it this past week with Swift down the left side or in the week before when we were able to run one in from (36 yards) out. So, sticking with the run game and staying efficient. It’s always going to allow our full offense to come to life.” An area where Chicago could still improve in the passing game is getting the ball to six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen. In the three games Allen has been active for the Bears, he has ten receptions for 81 yards and is averaging a career-low in yards per target at 4.1 yards. His catch percentage of 50 percent is also a career-low. Other playmakers have had big games for Chicago, but Allen has not. However, Waldron says one of the goals for the offense is to get him the ball more. “Obviously, we want to get Keenan involved more. It’s a goal of ours. But, there’s also going to be the structure of the defense and what they might take away that week, and I think each week, the guys have done a good job knowing that we have multiple guys that have worked hard and deserve to get the rock right there and we know Rome had a big game one time,” Waldron said. “Cole has a big game. DJ has one. Swift’s had a couple. So, knowing that Keenan’s a big part of our offense and wanting to get him involved and again, it’s that fine line of pressing to get him involved but also knowing that he’s going to do a good job like he always does of doing things right, showing up every single day and working to get on the same page, which he’s done a great job with and then leading to the results on the field.” This Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London (8:30 a.m. / NFL Network) provides an ample opportunity for Allen to get the ball. In the five times he has played against the Jaguars, Allen has averaged 91.6, although they are one of five teams he has never scored a touchdown against.
