How Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams Plans to Stay Ahead of Defenses
· Yahoo Sports
Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the future as the leaders of the Chicago Bears' organization.
The two led Chicago to an NFC North Championship and a playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers in their first full season together, which spanned 19 games.
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The Bears' quarterback and coach established invaluable experience throughout the 2025 season, but opposing teams now have a 19-game sample size to review for the upcoming season.
The Bears' coach didn't sound too concerned asked how his quarterback can stay ahead of defenses that study him.
“He just needs to worry about executing the play at hand," Johnson said. "There's really no secret sauce in terms of being able to defend a guy like that. I think he's a unique individual and we're going to continue to hone in on our core plays, our bread and butter plays. They might be a little bit different this year than what they've been in the past; and then those plays aren't working, then that's when his exotic self can come to life.”
Williams' playmaking ability, especially when he extends plays, gives defenses another wrinkle that must be accounted for on every snap. As Williams continues to learn Johnson's offense, the Bears' quarterback will be able to mix that exoticness with precision in-rhythm throws from the pocket.
And Johnson will do his part to adapt his offense so it doesn't look the same to opposing defenses.
“I feel like we're so multiple in what we do and what we've put on tape," Johnson said. "It's really not a huge concern of mine, of teams feeling like they’ve got a beat on it. I think when you’ve got a quarterback like we have too, there's a lot of unpredictability that comes along with it. As he continues to grow and develop, if the structure of the play is there for him, then he'll take it. But what he can do out of structure is really unique and I think it makes us even more difficult to defend. Our guys do a great job, our coaching staff with the self-scout, knowing what we've put on tape and how can we can continue to compliment that going forward. So it’s not something that we spend a whole lot of time on.”
Instead of worrying about opposing defenses, Johnson and Williams are focused on what they can control. That means prioritizing the essentials for the Bears' quarterback.
“There's guys that have played in this league for a long time and ran the same offense for a long time," Williams said on staying ahead of opposing defenses. "So, same kind of mindset. Just do the basics, perfect the basics, and do the basics really, really well. Then from there, you'll grow and grow and grow. There's no perfect defense for a perfect ball.”