Hiring Ben Johnson was the obvious move for the Chicago Bears. His offense has been one of the NFL’s best with the Detroit Lions over the past three years. He resurrected quarterback Jared Goff’s career. After so many years of horrid offensive play in this city, this move had to happen. More than anything, it was meant to benefit one person above all: Caleb Williams. The former #1 overall pick is the most talented passer the organization has employed in at least a decade. If they want to find a way out of purgatory, he must be the one to lead the way.
Johnson’s job will be to get the most out of him. One thing made clear to Adam Jahns and Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic by somebody close to the coach? Don’t expect the royal treatment. There will be no coddling from Johnson. Williams had better be prepared for somebody obsessed with details and who is a maniac on Sundays. If you half-ass anything, he’s going to jump all over you.
The league will be watching how Johnson’s relationship with Williams develops and plays out on the field. One league source familiar with Johnson’s coaching style described him as intensely passionate — someone who can be “red ass” and “pissy” during games. Those descriptions were meant as compliments. Johnson is competitive and his players will feel it — especially his quarterback.
The question is how well Williams responds to it all from Johnson. Some observers, though, think Williams needs that type of coaching after watching him during his rookie season.
“He’s going to be on his case,” the source said. “He’s going to be challenged.”
“Johnson should be good for Caleb,” a scout said.
Caleb Williams is going back to school.
Only this time, he isn’t some fancy scholarship holder with perks. Williams got cocooned at USC because he was the obvious reason they were winning. Last season proved he can’t do it alone anymore, not at this level. The Bears have the highest hopes for him. That said, a large investment comes with expectations. Young players don’t yet have a strong understanding of the work and dedication it takes to succeed in the NFL. Poles admitted that Williams tried to skip some steps last season, which led to the consistency issues. Coaching was part of the problem.
That is a big reason Johnson was hired. He will break Caleb Williams back down to the foundation and rebuild his game from scratch. The quarterback better be prepared to work. If he truly wants to be great, then he’ll have to learn how to take criticism and hard coaching. Johnson isn’t going to suffer laziness or cutting corners.
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