NFL Offseason Story: Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson

This offseason, one major topic has caught everyone’s attention in Chicago.

The focus? Can new head coach Ben Johnson help bring out the best in Caleb Williams?

After being selected as the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams’ initial season in the NFL was a bit of a mixed bag. However, with Johnson’s background from the Detroit Lions, where he helped quarterback Jared Goff as the offensive coordinator, there were significant expectations that Johnson could elevate Williams’ game.

So far, the early signs look encouraging.

During his first preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, which ended in a 38-0 victory for the Bills, Williams completed six out of ten passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. Sure, it’s worth noting that the Bills were mainly fielding backup players, but Bears fans have reason to feel optimistic about what they saw from Williams that night.

Especially regarding how he executed his plays.

Against the Bills, Williams displayed solid timing and rhythm within Johnson’s offensive scheme. Previously, Chicago’s offense could be described as a bit chaotic—our own JP Acosta likened it to “two different crimes randomly combined.” The passing game often felt disjointed, with too many halts and starts.

But that definitely wasn’t the case on Sunday night.

For instance, take a glance at an early completion to Kohl Kumet:

Here, we see a standard four-vertical concept from a 3×1 formation on the left side. The Bills are showing a coverage look that suggests confusion, with defenders positioned closely to the line of scrimmage. While the cornerbacks maintained their positions, preparing for the receivers ahead, things changed at the snap.

The Bills shifted into two deep coverages, but Williams read the play flawlessly, hitting Kumet right before the timing could get disrupted.

The precision of the throw is notable, but also look at his quick decision-making. Williams took a three-step drop and, at the third step, delivered the ball without any hesitation or unnecessary movement. This showcases a quarterback who’s confident and trusts his reads and targets down the field.

His touchdown pass to Olamide Zaccheaus further highlighted his timing and flow. It’s all about rhythm in that catch-and-run scenario, which feels critical to his development.

In situations where yards after catch (YAC) become crucial, Williams’ passing can be tied back to his stats as a quarterback. His accurate throw to Zaccheaus allowed for an easy completion and the opportunity for a big play post-catch.

Another good example came on the Bears’ next possession. This time, the Bills displayed man coverage again before the snap, and a linebacker set up for a potential blitz.

Even under pressure, Williams had sufficient time from his offensive line to deliver an expected throw to DJ Moore on an out route, thereby advancing the chains. This kind of comfortable rhythm really is what people mean when they say “the game slows down for a quarterback,” which is a cliché that often holds true for young passers.

It’s important to remember, though, these three throws came against a mostly backup team from the Bills.

Still, for Bears fans, these are the kinds of plays they’ve been eager to witness.