Sean McVay is one of the best head coaches in the NFL. What is crazy is how fast his rise was. The young assistant had a productive run as offensive coordinator in Washington, but nobody expected him to become a prominent head coach at 30 years old. Then he engineered one of the greatest single-season breakouts of a young quarterback in NFL history. Jared Goff was a disaster in 2016, posting a 63.6 passer rating with five touchdowns and seven interceptions. A year later, in his first season with McVay, he threw 28 touchdowns to seven interceptions and a 100.5 passer rating. That was a perfect example of what a great coach can do for a quarterback. Many believe it’s what Ben Johnson will do for Caleb Williams.
Dan Orlovsky played quarterback in the NFL. He worked under some great coaches and knows how McVay turned Goff around. From what he’s learned about Johnson, there is no doubt in his mind that Williams is set up for success this season. What’s crazy is he has more natural talent than Goff did. If he puts in the work and the system does what it’s supposed to, the league isn’t ready for what’s coming. Orlovsky said as much on ESPN.
Ben Johnson is working with something new.
Since entering the NFL as an assistant coach, he has only worked with a particular type of quarterback. They are your classic drop-back passers who function best from the pocket. It was true of Ryan Tannehill in Miami and then Matthew Stafford and Goff in Detroit. Williams is a completely different animal. His mobility and playmaking instincts offer dimensions Ben Johnson has never had. People want to see how he might tweak his offense to incorporate them. The man is known for being a nerd. He’s always looking for new ways to push offensive innovation. Getting a toy like Williams must be like Christmas 24/7. The upgrades made to the blocking should keep the process smooth. If this pairing mimics what McVay did with Goff in Los Angeles, the Bears are in for a treat.
Once again, thanks for nothing Sallie
Every situation or relationship is different. Nothing is the same, only (mis)perceived similarity exists. Nothing is guaranteed. Outcomes will be different…
Yeah, it’s gonna be a work in progress. CW will have to learn “system first” then only ad lib when it breaks down and it’s ok to throw the ball away. Can a pretty smart dude play a lot smarter? Let’s hope so. There will be some growing pains and the schedule is brutal for a last place team. But, at least there is hope this time around.
Hopefully in a few years down the road, the reporters will be saying that the OC has the Ben Johnson effect on the QB. So far as a headcoach he has checked every box, surrounded himself with other good, experienced coaches. I just can’t believe the level of good coaches he brought in. Especially since he isn’t a proven commodity. About every one of them are the tops in their area of expertise. The Bears are going to need it though with the schedule they have.
Ben J. has the freedom to move the pocket against teams with an effective pass rush. I know I’m a broken record, but it was moronic to neglect our interior OL for so long. So much was made about Caleb not wanting to play for Chicago, but I’d be curious to know how many capable coaches have also avoided the Bears. Getting the ball out quickly is going to be vital to our offense’s success. I’d put us at 11-12 wins, but I also admit we grossly underachieved last year. Obviously, I can’t line up Poles, last year’s coaching staff,… Read more »