Hiring Ben Johnson was the obvious move for the Chicago Bears. His offense has been one of the NFL’s best with the Detroit Lions over the past three years. He resurrected quarterback Jared Goff’s career. After so many years of horrid offensive play in this city, this move had to happen. More than anything, it was meant to benefit one person above all: Caleb Williams. The former #1 overall pick is the most talented passer the organization has employed in at least a decade. If they want to find a way out of purgatory, he must be the one to lead the way.
Johnson’s job will be to get the most out of him. One thing made clear to Adam Jahns and Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic by somebody close to the coach? Don’t expect the royal treatment. There will be no coddling from Johnson. Williams had better be prepared for somebody obsessed with details and who is a maniac on Sundays. If you half-ass anything, he’s going to jump all over you.
The league will be watching how Johnson’s relationship with Williams develops and plays out on the field. One league source familiar with Johnson’s coaching style described him as intensely passionate — someone who can be “red ass” and “pissy” during games. Those descriptions were meant as compliments. Johnson is competitive and his players will feel it — especially his quarterback.
The question is how well Williams responds to it all from Johnson. Some observers, though, think Williams needs that type of coaching after watching him during his rookie season.
“He’s going to be on his case,” the source said. “He’s going to be challenged.”
“Johnson should be good for Caleb,” a scout said.
Caleb Williams is going back to school.
Only this time, he isn’t some fancy scholarship holder with perks. Williams got cocooned at USC because he was the obvious reason they were winning. Last season proved he can’t do it alone anymore, not at this level. The Bears have the highest hopes for him. That said, a large investment comes with expectations. Young players don’t yet have a strong understanding of the work and dedication it takes to succeed in the NFL. Poles admitted that Williams tried to skip some steps last season, which led to the consistency issues. Coaching was part of the problem.
That is a big reason Johnson was hired. He will break Caleb Williams back down to the foundation and rebuild his game from scratch. The quarterback better be prepared to work. If he truly wants to be great, then he’ll have to learn how to take criticism and hard coaching. Johnson isn’t going to suffer laziness or cutting corners.
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Ben Johnson will expose the truth about C Williams. He will either be everything we hoped, or he will become just another frustrating QB in a long line of failures by the organization at the elusive position!
@Sallie, no, but please post your statements. We’re not that far away from a time where black QBs were being scouted as RB, DB’s, WR because there’s was no way that anyone would play in NFL. It’s a shitty history, it’s better now but those dog whistles are still loud and clear.
@Kris What I am suggesting is that most people, similar to old Frank Gifford, are at least subconsciously racist, even when they are seemingly saying positive things about that person. This is really creating a condescending narrative with loaded words as well. Do you remember any of my examples over the last year? If not, just ask.
@Sallie, it never ceases to amaze me when players of color are continuously described as raw, athletic, needs coaching etc. The same dog whistlers describe white players as hard workers, sneaky fast, intelligent, scrappy, coach’s son. etc. Both are ridiculous narratives if you’re projecting players talents. When they give comps for players they always end up being comped to other white players or other players of color. It’s possible that Cristian McCafferty comps were Frank Gore or Adrian Peterson. Or that Lamar Jackson’s comp could have been Steve Young. I’m not saying this to call out people as racist for… Read more »
RoosterRider, that historical comment was to Kris and the flavor of his/her comment connection. The person has a critical and educated mind. I would never address such to a simpleton, lay person with a bully or authoritarian personality such as you. You are the kind I prefer to meet outside a club or pool hall. You just don’t have much of an intellect, but you want to control things like your fearless leader. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS IGNORE MY COMMENTS, unless you need to feed off me for popularity with the fellow Hyenas. I just assume you need… Read more »