Can Ben Johnson Unlock Caleb Williams’ Potential? Inside the Bears’ New Offensive Era
The Chicago Bears’ 2024 season was a rollercoaster, marked by flashes of brilliance from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams but ultimately ending with a disappointing 7-10 record. The team’s struggles led to the departure of head coach Matt Eberflus and the arrival of Ben Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, who is now tasked with revitalizing the Bears and unlocking Williams’ full potential. The hiring of Johnson is seen as a major upgrade, with ESPN listing the Bears among the most improved teams in the league heading into the 2025 season.
The Promise of Ben Johnson’s Offense
Ben Johnson’s success in Detroit was built on a creative, well-designed offensive scheme that maximized the strengths of his players. Under Johnson, the Lions boasted one of the league’s most potent offenses, ranking among the top in scoring and total yards. Johnson’s ability to adapt his scheme to his personnel is a key reason why the Bears are banking on him to transform their offense.
“This offense will be calibrated with [Williams] in mind,” Johnson said during his introductory press conference. “We’re going to build this thing. This is not simply a dropping of a previous playbook down on the table and starting there.”
Johnson’s philosophy centers around attacking defenses and keeping them on their heels. He emphasizes multiplicity in formations and concepts, aiming to create challenges for opposing defenses each week. “We want the ability to morph, whether it’s 50 runs in a game or 50 passes in a game. It does not matter. Balance to me is throughout the entire season, not necessarily in the game,” Johnson explained.
Caleb Williams: A Generational Talent
Caleb Williams entered the NFL with immense hype, widely regarded as one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory. During his college career at Oklahoma and USC, Williams showcased exceptional arm talent, accuracy, and playmaking ability. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2022 and set numerous school records.
However, Williams’ rookie season in Chicago was a mixed bag. While he displayed flashes of brilliance, he also struggled with consistency and decision-making at times. Some analysts attributed his struggles to poor coaching and a lack of support around him. ESPN’s Ben Solak noted that Williams’ rookie season was “rife with concerning film, but it’s quite easy to attribute his spiraling to the poor coaching.”
Despite the challenges, Williams possesses the raw talent to become a star in the NFL. Scouts rave about his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket. He has a quick release, can throw from multiple arm angles, and is a threat with his legs.
Addressing Williams’ Weaknesses
While Williams has many strengths, he also has areas where he needs to improve. One area is his tendency to try to do too much, which can lead to turnovers and negative plays. As Footballguys.com noted in their scouting report, ““hero ball” crept into his game in 2023,” leading to more fumbles and interceptions.
Another area for improvement is his pocket presence and decision-making under pressure. While he can make spectacular plays when things break down, he sometimes holds onto the ball too long or forces throws into tight windows. Bill Belichick has pointed out that Williams needs to eliminate turnovers, hit the open man, and avoid always trying to throw long.
Ben Johnson’s coaching can help Williams refine his game and address these weaknesses. By providing a structured offensive system and emphasizing quick reads and smart decisions, Johnson can help Williams become a more consistent and efficient quarterback.
The New-Look Bears Offense
To support Williams, the Bears have made significant investments in their offense. General manager Ryan Poles has revamped the offensive line, adding Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman to solidify the trenches. These additions should provide Williams with better protection and create more opportunities in the running game.
The Bears have also added more weapons in the passing game. Colston Loveland, a tight end, and Luther Burden III, a wide receiver, were drafted to give Williams more targets. These players join DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, giving the Bears a potentially explosive group of pass-catchers.
With an improved offensive line and a talented group of receivers, Williams has the potential to thrive in Johnson’s offense. As Bleacher Report noted, “As long as the new and improved offensive line does its job, there’s no telling what kind of season Williams is capable of.”
A Shift in Run Game Philosophy
Under Ben Johnson, the Bears are expected to implement a wide-zone rushing scheme. Offensive line coach Dan Roushar revealed that Johnson aims to replicate the scheme used by Sean Payton in New Orleans, which relies on athletic offensive linemen who can get out in space to block.
This shift in philosophy explains the Bears’ offensive line moves, as Thuney and Dalman are known for their athleticism and ability to thrive in a wide-zone scheme. However, the Bears may need to add a running back with good vision and decisiveness to fully maximize the potential of this scheme.
The Coaching Staff
Ben Johnson has assembled a talented coaching staff to support him in Chicago. Dennis Allen, former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, will serve as the defensive coordinator, while Declan Doyle will be the offensive coordinator. J.T. Barrett, who worked with Johnson in Detroit, will be the quarterbacks coach, tasked with helping Williams develop his skills.
Other notable additions to the coaching staff include Antwaan Randle El, who will serve as the assistant head coach and wide receivers coach, and Dan Roushar, the offensive line coach. This mix of experienced coaches and young up-and-comers should provide a strong support system for Johnson and Williams.
Optimism in Chicago
The hiring of Ben Johnson and the improvements to the Bears’ roster have created a sense of optimism in Chicago. Fans and analysts believe that Johnson can unlock Williams’ potential and transform the Bears into a contender.
“Ben Johnson’s hire as the new head coach has to be a breath of fresh air for a franchise suffocating from all the previous missteps at the game’s most important position,” wrote Ben Sobleski of Bleacher Report. “His scheme and play-calling alone should allow the Bears to make a significant jump.”
Johnson himself has expressed confidence in Williams, suggesting that he could be the first Bears quarterback to surpass 4,000 passing yards in a season. With Johnson’s guidance and the support of a revamped roster, Caleb Williams has the opportunity to become the franchise quarterback the Bears have been searching for.