With new coach Ben Johnson and
revamped O-line, Bears bank on Williams to emerge as franchise QB
[August 29, 2025]
By ANDREW SELIGMAN
CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Bears (5-12)
Expectations
The Bears had grabbed plenty of attention this time last year,
basking in the spotlight with a starring role in “Hard Knocks.”
Well, consider them offseason winners again. But will they start
winning when it really matters? With new coach Ben Johnson and a
rebuilt offensive line, they believe Caleb Williams now has the
support he needs to develop into the sort of quarterback they
envision him becoming. Johnson worked well with Jared Goff as
Detroit's offensive coordinator, helping him re-emerge as one of the
NFL's top QBs. The interior of the offensive line has a different
look after general manager Ryan Poles gave it a makeover,
highlighted by the trade with Kansas City for two-time All-Pro guard
Joe Thuney. Now, Williams needs to start emerging as a franchise
quarterback. His rookie season had its ups and downs. Williams was
sacked a franchise-record and league-leading 68 times after being
drafted with the No. 1 pick in 2024, and he had to deal with an
offensive coordinator (Shane Waldron) and coach (Matt Eberflus)
getting fired along the way. He now has an offensive-minded head
coach. But the Bears still have a steep hill to climb in the tough
NFC North.
New faces
Coach Ben Johnson, G Joe Thuney, G Jonah Jackson, C Drew Dalman, TE
Colston Loveland, OT Ozzy Trapilo, DT Grady Jarrett, edge rusher
Dayo Odeyingbo, DT Shemar Turner.
Key losses
WR Keenan Allen, LB Jack Sanborn.
Strengths
Williams figures to have no shortage of playmakers. He has solid
options at wide receiver in veteran DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, coming
off a promising rookie season. He also has another playmaking tight
end to go with Cole Kmet after Chicago drafted Loveland out of
Michigan with the No. 10 overall pick.
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams waves to fans as he walks
off the field after a preseason NFL football game against the
Buffalo Bills Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul
Beaty)
Weaknesses
For all the attention on Williams, the running backs could benefit
in a big way with improved blocking and Johnson's creativity.
D'Andre Swift had 959 yards rushing and 386 yards receiving in his
first season with the Bears. He went from making the Pro Bowl with
Philadelphia in 2023 to averaging a career-worst 3.8 yards per carry
a year ago. But he knows Johnson well, having played with Detroit
from 2020 to 2022 after being drafted out of Georgia. Roschon
Johnson went from averaging 4.3 yards per run as a rookie two years
ago to 2.7 last season. He and Swift have a chance to show their
struggles had more to do with the scheme and blocking.
Camp development
How quickly Williams can adapt to Johnson and his system has been a
big story throughout offseason workouts and camp. But it's not the
only one. The Bears were banged up at cornerback, with star Jaylon
Johnson suffering a leg injury prior to camp and Kyler Gordon
hurting his hamstring in early August. Their depth at the position
also took a hit in the second preseason game when Terell Smith
suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Fantasy player to watch
Williams has an offensive-minded head coach, a revamped offensive
line and no shortage of options. It's time to show he can lock down
a position that has haunted the founding NFL franchise.
BetMGM Sportsbook
Win Super Bowl: 40-1.
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