There may not have been someone happier in Chicago with the hiring of Ben Johnson than Caleb Williams. After being the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, Williams had his fair share of struggles as a rookie.
He didn't live up to the expectations many believed he would play like last season, but he's focused on what's ahead of him and making history in 2025.
The USC product was speaking with the media on Tuesday, and Johnson gave him a goal to shoot for. The new head coach wants his QB to complete 70% of his passes while Williams wants to be the first Bears QB to throw for 4,000 yards in a season.
Caleb Williams shares the same goal for himself that Ben Johnson has for his quarterback: To complete 70% of his passes this season.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) July 22, 2025
Williams also said that he's striving to be the first 4,000 yard passer in franchise history.
Bears QB Caleb Williams Has 2 Big Goals for 2025 Season
In 17 games last season, Williams was 351-of-562 (62.5%) for 3,541 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns and six interceptions. He had a problem holding onto the ball though, which led to him being taken down a league-high 68 times.
He's looking to get the ball out quicker, and Johnson wants that completion percentage to bump up. The 39-year-old served as the Lions' offensive coordinator from 2022-2024. During that stretch, Jared Goff's completion percentage increased from 65.1% to 67.3% to a career-high 72.4% last year. In addition, during that stretch, Goff tossed at least 4,400 passing yards in each season.
The offensive system that Johnson is implementing in Chicago is QB-friendly and will allow Williams to showcase his natural ability. What Johnson was able to do with the Lions is something that has Bears fans excited and pumped for what the potential could be in 2025 and beyond.
Williams certainly has the skillset to become the first player in team history to throw for 4,000 yards in a season. His rookie year had him placed fifth in Bears history in terms of passing yards (3,541). Eric Kramer holds that title after throwing for 3,838 yards during the 1995 season.
It's no surprise that the 23-year-old is looking to surpass that mark. After a season where he left a lot on the field and could improve, he was only 297 yards short of Kramer's mark.
With better coaching and pass blocking upfront, there's a great chance that he can achieve that goal. This statement showcases his confidence hasn't wavered, and Johnson's presence is only adding more fuel to his fire.