Quarterback Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears are the talk of the NFL, thanks to their first-year head coach Ben Johnson and the team’s fast rise to the top of the NFC under his leadership. Now, the team is enjoying a comeback for the books, and they easily made the 2025-26 playoffs on Sunday, December 21, weeks before it was necessary.
On Sunday, December 28, the Bears take on another one of the strongest teams in the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers. Seeing Williams and 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy in the same game will be a treat for football enthusiasts, since both are among the best signal-callers in the NFL. The Bears have an 11-4 record going into the game and are at the top of the NFC North, while the 49ers also have an 11-4 record but are behind the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West.
As for the Bears’ winning streak, Johnson and Williams are at the heart of this comeback, but the other players on the team are also important. Speaking to the media on Friday, December 26, Johnson made his thoughts on Williams clear and also expressed that he doesn’t put Williams over any of the other players on the team.
Ben Johnson Talks Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears
On Friday, December 26, Johnson opened up about the team’s upcoming game against the 49ers. He also talked about his relationship with Williams.
“I treat Caleb like I do the rest of these guys,” he said. “I love all these guys, and it comes from a good place. I just want them to become the best player that they can be.”
After the team’s win over the Packers on Saturday, December 20, Johnson talked about his team and gave them props.
“Let me tell you something right now, this is a special group,” Johnson said following the Bears’ win. “This doesn’t happen everywhere, gentlemen. Where we are right now, what you guys are doing, it’s no fluke. You are mentally tough, you are physically tough, and you fight all 60 minutes.”
Looking at the NFL division standings, the Bears are in a great spot to win the NFC North but need to keep winning to do so, while the 49ers need to win to stay in the running with the Seattle Seahawks to take the top spot in the NFC West.
Ben Johnson Has Worked Miracles With the Chicago Bears
It’s truly amazing what Ben Johnson has done for the Chicago Bears this year. After years of struggle, he stepped in as head coach and helped turn the team into a playoff-bound squad, leading them to a dramatic turnaround and much more competitive identity. Under his leadership, the Bears have already matched and even surpassed some achievements that took years to reach under the previous regime with a strong record that has seen them win close games and lead the NFC North.
Johnson’s offensive instincts and adjustments have sparked real growth, especially in second-half performance and close-game success, and the team has played with a confidence and clarity fans haven’t seen in a long time. He’s brought out the best in young players, fostered a resilient culture, and reminded Bears Nation what it feels like to believe again. It’s been fun, electric, and oh-so sweet to watch.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Ben Johnson Gets Candid About Caleb Williams Before Bears-49ers appeared first on Heavy Sports.