Heading into last season, the Chicago Bears were a bit of a mystery under their new head coach, Ben Johnson. Fast forward, and NFL defenses quickly realized they were facing one of the most balanced offenses in the league. Ranking in the top 10 overall and top 3 in rushing, the Bears made quite a statement.
Johnson, when asked about facing defenses that now have a full season's worth of film on them, pointed to his quarterback, Caleb Williams, as the ultimate wildcard. “That’s the beauty of Caleb Williams.
It’s a bit unpredictable,” Johnson shared with CHGO’s Adam Jahns. “As structured as we want to be, his natural reactions are tough to defend.”
Williams has indeed been a revelation. Last season, he shattered the franchise record with 3,942 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, adding three more scores on the ground. His knack for leading comebacks and game-winning drives set an NFL record, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Despite the offensive fireworks, Johnson remains focused on improvement. He’s particularly keen on enhancing the game plan to get the primary receiver open more consistently.
“I’m not very happy with our ability to get the primary receiver open,” Johnson admitted. “That’s on me and the coaching staff, and it’s something we need to improve.”
Williams’ ability to improvise offers a safety net when things don’t go as planned. Johnson acknowledged, “Caleb can bail us out when we’re wrong. His athletic ability is crucial for those moments when the unexpected happens.”
The Bears are also looking to capitalize more on extended plays, an area Johnson believes Williams can significantly impact with his accuracy and field vision. “Our scramble tape wasn’t great, and I think Caleb can really make a huge jump there.”
For the 31 other NFL defenses, the thought of facing an even more refined Bears offense is daunting. With Williams’ MVP potential looming large in 2026, the Bears are poised to be a formidable force in the league.