The Chicago Bears will reach their full potential if they’re able to maximize the play and development of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. It’s because of Williams’ potential that the team hired Ben Johnson to be their head coach, pairing a highly-respected offensive mind with a quarterback that has plenty of talent but needs some good coaching to reach his ceiling.
In order for the tandem of quarterback and head coach to work, Williams and Johnson not only have to get their communication on the same page but a general understanding of one another. After a recent ESPN report catapulted Williams into the spotlight — after he showed initial concerns about being drafted by Chicago — the former No. 1 pick was able to put out the fire.
While Williams proved he can handle the off-field drama, he’s also proving to his new coach that he can handle the on-field stuff as he adjusts to a new offense and coaching staff. Last week, Johnson detailed what he’s learned Williams can handle on the field and how it’s going to help him and the team moving forward.
“It’s been consistent throughout. He’s been very attentive. He’s been very detailed in terms of the meetings. He’s taking great notes, he’s asking excellent questions,” Johnson said. “The more we’re out on the grass together, we’re figuring out what we can put in the morning and what we can execute later on in the afternoon. That’s been the fun part of it so far. For everybody, there’s a saturation level that we’ve got to find what that point is, so that as coaches we don’t ask too much out of any player over the course of the season.
“We’ve got to be able to download a game plan and execute it. It’s been a healthy process right now. I think (QB coach) J.T. Barrett is doing a phenomenal job. (Offensive coordinator) Declan (Doyle) is a big part of that as well, just figuring out how much install we can push on these guys. The good news is we got the weekend that they can get the plan and start ahead for the next week. You can really see guys separate, not just at the quarterback position, but really all around on offense and defense who’s in their book a little bit extra than the next guy.”
The growth of Williams will not just be on his head coach, as he’ll have to put in the work and make the adjustments himself, and in doing so, that’s how he and the team will get the most out of each other. Attention to detail and communicating with his new coaching staff will go a long way in Williams’ development process.
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