Caleb Williams, the talented rookie quarterback of the Chicago Bears, is poised to bounce back in his second year. We applaud the powerful recommitment and reinvigoration he is bringing to the field! After one pro season and a 62.5% completion percentage, Williams was 31st of 36 QBs with enough qualified attempts. Now, he’s intent on raising his level with second-year head coach Ben Johnson. Johnson is perhaps most famous for his productive stint as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. He has implemented an ambitious offensive strategy with the singular focus of helping Williams succeed.
The league average for completion percentage last season was 65.3%, setting an obvious line in the sand for Josh’s progress. Johnson has set a lofty goal for Williams to achieve by 2025: a completion rate of 70%. The coaching staff continues to tout their faith and belief in Williams. They’d like to make him the team’s first 4,000-yard passer. During the 2022 season, Williams passed for 3,541 yards – an impressive building block that he aims to expand on.
Johnson’s decision to come to the Bears was driven primarily by his desire to work with Williams. So far they’ve put in 36 game hours of review for last season. This concerted effort allowed them to identify gaps in their defense and refine their attack to be much more effective offensively. Williams’ willingness to pursue more stern coaching is a testament to Williams’ attitudes towards development and the betterment of the team.
To improve team chemistry and communication, Williams called a recent spontaneous players-only meeting. To start the offseason, he held group workouts with important offensive teammates, like DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, and Marcedes Lewis. This meeting was meant to help build that chemistry and make sure everybody was on the same page with the new, free-wheeling offensive philosophy.
Like the defense, Chicago has poured a lot of assets into the offense through the draft as well. The Chargers used its first three draft picks to land players who can help Williams develop on the field. General manager Ryan Poles has said he’s confident Williams will take a significant step forward this season after the struggles of a year ago.
“I want to win for the city. I want to win for the Bears. I want to win for my teammates. I want to win — obviously, selfishly — I love to call myself a winner, and win in everything I do.” – Caleb Williams
Johnson’s approach emphasizes accountability and resolve. He has been publicly adamant that he wants more from Williams every day. The coach won’t accept defeatist attitudes on his team.
“We don’t want to be a ‘palms-up team’ where we’re questioning everything. No, no, no; to me that’s a little bit of a sign of weakness. We don’t want to see that from anybody on the team.” – Ben Johnson
This commitment to fostering a positive environment goes beyond rhetoric alone. Johnson’s intensity spills into his coaching style, an obsession with detail that has quickly struck a chord with his players.
“It’s like an obsession with the details, and you can feel that from him,” – Cole Kmet
As the Bears continue to undergo a culture transformation in this new season, they will need Williams’ leadership and competitive spirit more than ever. The pressure is palpable. Only four quarterbacks achieved both a 4,000-yard passing season and a 70% completion rate last year: Joe Burrow, Jared Goff, Baker Mayfield, and Geno Smith.
Poles admits that development isn’t a strictly linear process, he’s still hopeful for Williams’ trajectory.
“Anytime you’re a young player, there’s usually a couple of steps forward and one step back,” – Ben Johnson
He goes on to make an even stronger case for self-correction being a necessary element of developing.
“He’s getting to that point where it’s more self-correction, and we’re off and running from there.” – source not found
With the support of Johnson and a bolstered roster, Caleb Williams is poised to make significant strides in his second year. The Bears organization is committed to doing the work necessary along with him so that he accomplishes those milestones on an individual level and helps the team find success.
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