The Chicago Bears' 2024 season was a huge disaster, thanks to all the issues that surrounded the team. Not only were there many questionable coaching moments, but rookie quarterback Caleb Williams seemed to struggle with his mechanics in and out of the huddle. As a result, the Bears suffered many pre-snap penalties and were constantly working against the play clock.
While this improved incrementally throughout the season, it remains a big area of improvement entering next year. Fortunately, new head coach Ben Johnson is aware of this and addressed these concerns during his press conference at the NFL Combine Tuesday afternoon. Johnson told reporters, "We're going back to the basics."
Ben Johnson on his coaching staff’s approach to the roster: “We’re going back to the basics.”
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) February 25, 2025
Mentioned nailing cadences and huddle communication as a first step with Caleb Williams.
Ben Johnson Taking a Deliberate Approach to Fixing the Chicago Bears Issues
Although Johnson's comments about going back to basics apply to everyone, it's most important for Williams. Last season, Williams was reportedly responsible for making the majority of the checks at the line in Shane Waldron's offense. While most fans took that as a sign that he was advanced for a rookie, the results show it was way too much for him to handle right away.
Johnson going back to the basics with Williams should help the game feel smoother for the quarterback entering his second season. Furthermore, fixing the cadence issues will minimize the amount of false start penalties Chicago takes.
This will be very beneficial, given the number of times the Bears had a positive first or second down play last season that immediately got negated by a false start. Moreover, not running up against the play clock every play will give fans slightly less stress when the team is on offense.
So far, Johnson has been saying everything fans want to hear. That said, actions speak louder than words, so we will see come training camp if Williams has improved mechanics at the line.