In a striking move that drew considerable attention across the National Football League, the Chicago Bears have parted ways with their offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. This decision marks the Bears' second dismissal of an offensive coordinator in less than a year, highlighting the franchise's ongoing challenges in establishing a consistent offensive strategy. The Bears' recent struggles were epitomized by a staggering stretch of 23 consecutive drives without reaching the end zone, a run that likely sealed Waldron's fate.
Earlier this year, the Bears bid farewell to Luke Getsy, who had a fleeting stint with the Raiders before being released less than ten days into his tenure. This pattern of frequent changes in the offensive leadership suggests a sense of urgency within the Bears’ camp to find a formula that can rejuvenate their scoring ability and enhance their competitiveness in the league.
Meanwhile, on the field, the Miami Dolphins rode a strong defensive performance to secure a 23-15 victory over the Los Angeles Rams during a Monday night matchup. The Dolphins' defensive unit relentlessly pressured Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, recording four sacks. Stafford’s struggles in prime-time settings were once again evident, as his record in such games slipped to 12-21.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa demonstrated poise and efficiency, completing 11 of 13 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown in the second half. This performance helped propel the Dolphins to their third win of the season, although they still face an uphill battle with a 3-6 record. Historically, only a handful of NFL teams have managed to reach the playoffs after starting a season 2-6, making Miami's path forward a challenging one.
For the Rams, the defeat leaves them with a 4-5 standing, adding pressure as they seek to reverse their fortunes in the second half of the season.
In other news, the NFL landscape continues to evolve, as reflected in Prisco's Week 11 Power Rankings. The Kansas City Chiefs maintain their position at the summit, while the Pittsburgh Steelers have clawed their way into the top five. The Philadelphia Eagles also made significant strides, climbing from ninth to sixth in the rankings. Conversely, the Washington Commanders experienced a notable drop, slipping from fourth to 10th place. The Dolphins’ victory translated to a modest rise in the standings, moving them from 23rd to 20th. However, the Raiders find themselves languishing at the bottom of the list, underscoring their ongoing struggles this season.
Looking globally, the NFL's commitment to expanding its international footprint is evident with plans to host games in various countries by 2025, including London, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, and Ireland. Moreover, the league is reportedly considering Australia as a potential host site for a game by 2026. As noted by Jonathan Jones, "Australia entices the NFL for several reasons. There is a vibrant sports scene there, and there's no language barrier." The allure of penetrating a market that no other major American sports league has conquered is a tempting prospect for the NFL, as pointed out by Jones: "It is distinct from the European expansion the league has endeavored, and no other major American sports league has penetrated the market."
Additional player movement in the NFL includes the Pittsburgh Steelers' signing of former All-Pro returner Jamal Agnew to their practice squad. Agnew brings a dynamic presence, having notched six return touchdowns in his career. Meanwhile, the Seahawks’ defensive roster took a hit with the waiving of linebacker Tyrel Dodson, previously their leading tackler.
On the injury front, the Dallas Cowboys face a setback as quarterback Dak Prescott is set to undergo surgery to address an injured hamstring, potentially impacting the team's trajectory as the season progresses.
These developments underscore the unpredictable and constantly shifting nature of the NFL, as teams navigate mid-season hurdles, strategize for future success, and adapt to a rapidly expanding international landscape.