Jaxon Smith-Njigba has delivered a surprising response regarding the expectations Bears fans may have for the team’s new offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron.
With the recent appointment of Shane Waldron as the Chicago Bears’ offensive coach, fans were eagerly anticipating the impact the former Seattle Seahawks star would have on their offensive strategies. However, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had previous experience working with Waldron, dampened the excitement with an unexpected reaction.
During an appearance at Super Bowl Radio Row in Vegas last Wednesday, Smith-Njigba, along with Chris Olave, a receiver for the New Orleans Saints, joined the CHGO Bears. When asked to share his thoughts on Waldron taking on the OC role for the Bears, the 21-year-old rookie’s response defied expectations.
Rather than expressing appreciation for Waldron’s coaching style or extending best wishes for his new role, Smith-Njigba’s response left everyone, including Bears fans, taken aback. After a prolonged pause that seemed to reflect his emotions towards Waldron, Smith-Njigba attempted to choose his words more carefully, yet a peculiar tone lingered in his voice.
The silence was LOUD when we asked Jaxon Smith-Njigba about new Bears OC Shane Waldron😳 pic.twitter.com/r7beJgxEMq
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) February 7, 2024
Despite the initial surprise, Smith-Njigba did acknowledge Waldron positively, stating, “He’s a great person, a great offensive coordinator. I was very lucky to have him in my first year.
I learned a lot from him.” The Seahawks rookie also shifted the conversation towards his former Ohio State teammate and now Bears starting quarterback, Justin Fields, expressing optimism about their compatibility once they receive more support.
Examining Smith-Njigba’s impressive statistics, it becomes apparent that his success during his rookie season was primarily attributed to his individual efforts rather than significant contributions from Waldron’s offense. In his one season under Waldron’s guidance, Smith-Njigba played 17 games, catching 63 passes for 628 yards and scoring four touchdowns.
Waldron’s tenure as the OC for the Seahawks was marked by offensive struggles, as they finished the season ranked 17th in points per score and 21st in total yards. As Waldron transitions to the Bears, who also hold the No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft, the team faces high expectations, especially given the offseason advantage.
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