Through the first months working together last year, quarterback Caleb Williams wasn’t sure where he stood. New head coach Ben Johnson promised to do everything in his power to help Williams become better. However, he did come across as agitated at times. It left the quarterback wondering if Johnson disliked him for some reason. Thankfully, the two kept working and eventually found the common ground they were looking for. Johnson put together a system that meshed his style preference with Williams’ natural strengths.
Towards the end of last season, the Chicago Bears were putting up points in bunches. Williams looked like a budding Pro Bowler. Every button Johnson pushed seemed to work. Over the past few months, it has become clear that their connection has only deepened. Stacey Dales of ESPN spoke to Williams about their evolving relationships. Johnson is giving his quarterback more freedom at the line of scrimmage to make changes. If the defense gives the Bears a look they aren’t prepared for, Williams is the one who adjusts everything.
There is just one minor problem. Johnson’s calls are seldom wrong. It leaves a quarterback with little to do before the snap.
Only Caleb Williams would be mildly annoyed by that.
Johnson is widely regarded as one of the best play callers in football. He’s demonstrated that for the past four years. Opponents admit that he always seems one or two steps ahead of them. So it makes sense that the vast majority of his calls would be right on the money. Most quarterbacks would be thrilled with this. It means they don’t have to do anything but run the play and prospect. Williams, though, is a competitor. He likes being challenged. Having constantly correct play calls is great, but also kind of boring.
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With how low Caleb Williams’ pulse runs, he usually needs those split-second moments of adjustments. It gets the blood pumping. Plus, the quarterback likes it when he can be useful. Few things are more gratifying than adjusting teammates and running the correct play right before the play clock expires. As much as Williams loves Johnson, the coach doesn’t like leaving things to chance.
That is understandable, but also dull if you’re a thrill-seeker like the Bears quarterback.
Don’t expect Williams to mess with the formula.
He has made it clear that Johnson runs the show. His job is being the fixer. Whenever something pops up that the game plan didn’t account for, he’s the one who puts the pieces in the right place. Play the chess match. The Bears’ head coach has repeatedly stated that he is giving Williams more freedom at the line. He wouldn’t do that unless he trusts the quarterback sees things the right way. Based on updates from training camp over the past three weeks, he has every reason to do so.
Only one question remains. Will we see Williams at all this preseason, or will Johnson keep him on ice until the opener in Carolina? Answers to that should be forthcoming in the next few days. With Tyson Bagent down, Johnson may not wish to chance it. He needs Williams to be healthy. The Bears already lost Kyle Monangai to a knee injury. Williams is the focal point of this offense. Getting him to week one is the top priority.
