There is no more important relationship in a football organization than the one between a quarterback and head coach. This is something the Chicago Bears have struggled to figure out for years. Every pairing they’ve tried seems to fall apart. Jay Cutler never seemed to mesh with Lovie Smith or Marc Trestman. John Fox didn’t want to draft Mitch Trubisky. Matt Nagy soured on him quickly as well. Matt Eberflus didn’t draft Justin Fields. Caleb Williams didn’t seem to respect him in their one season together. Now the team waits to see if something goes wrong with Ben Johnson.
It’s a familiar scenario. The head coach didn’t draft this quarterback. Williams plays a style of football Johnson has never coached before. He’s been exposed almost exclusively to pocket-oriented guys like Ryan Tannehill, Matt Stafford, and Jared Goff. Some wondered if this would be an oil-and-water situation. Johnson would never come around to embracing what Williams can do.
The truth appears to be very different. Signs have increased in recent weeks that the two have developed a strong relationship. Williams provided a fun little taste during a team photograph when he filmed the head coach with his phone. Johnson’s reaction told the story.
Caleb Williams is earning Johnson’s respect and affection.
The head coach has stated that he has been thrilled with the quarterback’s approach to the game. He is putting in a tremendous amount of work to improve, dedicating those extra hours to mastering the nuances of the position. It is showing up on the field. Caleb Williams’ efficiency has drastically improved in several areas already. He’s taking less sacks, converting far more third downs, playing with better timing, and still not turning the ball over. There is plenty of room for improvement, but it is obvious Johnson doesn’t view Williams as anything close to the primary issue with this offense. If anything, he’s the reason it is successful at all.
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If things progress as they have, this partnership could end up being the most productive the Bears have experienced since George Halas and Sid Luckman. Williams will only get better as his mastery of this offense grows. If the Bears can address some of their roster issues, they could become a truly competitive team for years to come.
