Caleb Williams Is Growing into Ben Johnson’s Offense - And That Should Scare the NFL
Let’s be clear: Caleb Williams is a different quarterback than he was a year ago. The numbers might not jump off the screen just yet, but the growth is real - and it’s meaningful. Under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Williams is showing a deeper command of the game, a better feel for situational football, and a willingness to embrace the grind that comes with mastering a complex NFL offense.
That last part? That’s the key.
Williams’ raw stats don’t tell the full story. His completion percentage still ranks near the bottom of the league, and he’s missing too many of the routine throws - the kind that keep an offense on schedule and help quarterbacks find their rhythm early.
Those misses have led to some frustratingly slow starts. But what’s different now is that Williams isn’t letting those moments spiral.
He’s staying composed, staying in the system, and showing signs that he’s starting to see the full field the way Johnson wants him to.
It’s a sign of maturity - and patience.
That patience hasn’t always been there. Last season, Williams looked like a quarterback trying to force his way into stardom.
He was pressing, trying to make every play a highlight. The result?
A staggering 68 sacks and stretches of football where he looked overwhelmed. General manager Ryan Poles hinted multiple times that Williams needed to slow down, to trust the process instead of shortcutting it.
Enter Ben Johnson.
Johnson brought with him one of the most intricate offensive systems in the league - a scheme built on layers, adjustments, and answers to just about anything a defense can throw at it. But with that complexity comes a steep learning curve. Williams admitted as much in a recent press conference when asked what he appreciates most about working with Johnson.
“Our open communication. I think it’s just the bond we are building. The details this offense takes, it is going to take a little more than a year to get on his level.”
That level of honesty is telling. Williams knows he’s not there yet - and more importantly, he’s okay with that.
He’s not trying to skip steps anymore. He’s embracing the work, and it’s showing in his play.
From where he was in August to where he is now, the progress is undeniable. He’s stringing together long stretches of high-level execution.
He’s making smarter decisions. He’s managing games instead of chasing them.
And all of this is happening while he’s still operating with what’s likely less than half of Johnson’s full playbook.
That’s the part that should make defensive coordinators nervous.
Because once Williams stops thinking and starts reacting - once the playbook becomes second nature - the ceiling gets a whole lot higher. Right now, he’s still learning the language.
But when the language becomes instinct? That’s when the real fun begins.
And make no mistake: that day is coming.
For now, the Bears are watching their young quarterback grow in real time. He’s not perfect - far from it - but he’s trending in the right direction. He’s learning the offense, building trust with his coordinator, and showing the mental toughness it takes to weather the ups and downs of a long NFL season.
The grind isn’t glamorous. But Williams is finally leaning into it.
And that’s when quarterbacks start to become stars.