Bears coach Ben Johnson was as impressed as everyone else by quarterback Caleb Williams‘ highlight-reel passes last season, but he’s looking for steadier, more refined play as his foundation season. Those plays show potential. Now it’s time to reach that level.
Johnson raved about Williams’ overall talent as the Bears reported for training camp Tuesday — “He’s got it all, there’s nothing I think he can’t do,” he said — and believes he can take the next step if he sharpens some of the basics.
“Consistency. … High-level quarterback play throughout a game,” Johnson said of his goal for Williams. “You see flashes of it. We’re working on [playing that way] consistently.”
When the Bears begin practice Wednesday, Johnson wants to see better, faster decisions after the snap. A year ago, the Bears were preoccupied with smoothing out play calls, shifts, motions, cadences and more with Williams, but Johnson said that’s no longer a concern.
Instead, the next level is to recognize coverages quicker and exploit them. There’s also an emphasis on overall throwing accuracy that starts with Williams straightening out his footwork.
With that, Johnson is emphasizing continuity of what he taught Williams last season rather than expanding the offense too quickly.
“I have this urge as an offensive guy to want to evolve and innovate and push the limits, but what’s best for him is to continue to bank some of these reps,” Johnson said. “We’re at the point where he’s not thinking about the play call … and things are starting to slow down. What we need to see is that anticipation.”
The Bears will begin a stretch of four practices Wednesday. Their first preseason game is Aug. 15 at home against the Browns, and they open the season Sept. 13 at the Panthers.
