As the calendar inches toward January, the Chicago Bears find themselves in a position they haven’t seen in quite some time: poised to make a real postseason run. But don’t let the headlines about Caleb Williams’ arm talent or highlight-reel plays fool you-this potential playoff push is rooted in something much more foundational. It’s about the growing bond between a rookie quarterback and a first-year head coach, and how cohesion, discipline, and trust-not just talent-will shape Chicago’s postseason fate.
For Williams, this would be his first taste of the NFL playoffs. And while his improvisational skills and raw ability are undeniable, they won’t be the only things that matter when the stakes rise. What could define his debut playoff run is how well head coach Ben Johnson keeps him in rhythm-protecting him from the chaos that often comes with overly complex game plans and over-schemed moments.
Johnson, known around the league as one of the most creative minds on the offensive side of the ball, has a reputation for crafting detailed route trees, misdirection packages, and gadget plays that keep defenses guessing. But as Chicago eyes a deep January run, Johnson’s biggest challenge might not be designing something new-it might be knowing when not to.
Last postseason offered a lesson that still lingers.
Back in the divisional round with Detroit, Johnson made a bold call-a wide receiver pass from Jameson Williams in a critical moment against Washington. The play was sniffed out and picked off, and just like that, the momentum flipped.
It was a reminder that in the playoffs, one miscalculated gamble can shift the entire game. With a rookie quarterback now under his wing, Johnson can’t afford similar risks.
For Chicago, playoff success starts with rhythm. Williams thrives when his early throws are clean and structured-when the offense gives him defined reads and lets him settle into the game.
Quick-game concepts, RPOs, play-action, and simple high-low reads are the building blocks that allow his natural creativity to shine later on. Let him get into the flow first-then let him cook.
If Johnson tries to get too cute early-especially against playoff defenses that specialize in post-snap disguise-it could force Williams into improvisation mode too soon. That’s when the risks pile up. That’s when the offense starts to rely on bailout plays instead of the structure it needs to stay on schedule.
And staying on schedule is everything for a young quarterback. That’s where the run game comes in.
Chicago’s ground attack, led by a versatile backfield and a much-improved offensive line, has quietly become a key stabilizer. This isn’t about pounding the rock for the sake of it-it’s about balance.
A strong run game keeps defensive coordinators honest, helps neutralize exotic blitz packages, and turns potential second-and-long headaches into second-and-manageable situations. That’s how you keep the playbook wide open and your quarterback in control.
Johnson’s real strength isn’t just in drawing up clever plays-it’s in sequencing. And in the playoffs, that sequencing becomes everything.
Building plays in layers-using run looks to set up play-action, motion to manipulate leverage, mirrored concepts to clarify coverage-that’s where he can give Williams the best chance to succeed. It’s less about the trickery and more about clarity, tempo, and a game plan that respects the weight of postseason football.
Make no mistake: Chicago doesn’t need fireworks to make noise in January. They need a plan that keeps Williams calm, confident, and in rhythm. They need Johnson to be the steady hand that guides-not dazzles.
Whether the Bears kick things off on Wild Card Weekend or secure a top seed, the formula remains unchanged. The further they want to go, the more Johnson and Williams have to operate as one. The head coach has to be the quarterback’s compass, and the quarterback has to be the coach’s extension on the field.
That’s not just how you survive in the playoffs-that’s how you win.