There are plenty of ways to measure a quarterback's growth. Some show up neatly in a box score. Others are much harder to spot on Sunday afternoon.
Ben Johnson believes Caleb Williams is making progress in one of the areas that could ultimately separate him from the rest.
Speaking with reporters Wednesday, the Chicago Bears head coach was asked about Williams' decisiveness and how it has changed since last season. Johnson pointed to his quarterback's anticipation, preparation and growing command of the offense.
"I think for the last year and a half, he continues to play with more anticipation," Johnson said. "He understands what we're trying to get done."
Johnson also revealed that Williams essentially walked him back through their week of preparation the day before Chicago's latest game. For a coach, that's probably about as comforting as it gets before handing a quarterback the keys on Sunday.
But Johnson's most revealing comment came when describing what Williams is seeing once the ball is snapped.
"The game slows down to a degree and he's able to get to the right guy a little bit faster than maybe he has in the past," Johnson said.
That's the change Bears fans have been waiting to see.
Williams' physical talent has never been difficult to find. The arm strength, mobility and ability to create outside structure helped make him one of football's most intriguing young quarterbacks.
Processing everything quickly enough to consistently punish NFL defenses is another challenge entirely.
Williams is taking greater control of Bears offense
Johnson's praise didn't stop with Williams simply finding receivers faster.
Later in the press conference, he described Williams as "orchestrating the whole offense" while handling the shifts, motions and cadences Chicago has incorporated.
"We got all the gadgetry going on with the shifts and the motions and the cadences right now," Johnson said. "Was really proud with how the operation has gone down."
That might be the bigger development hiding underneath everything else.
Williams isn't simply being asked to make plays anymore. He's being trusted to operate Johnson's offense, recognize what a defense is giving him and get Chicago into the right look.
There will still be mistakes. Young quarterbacks don't suddenly crack the NFL code and never struggle again.
But Williams seeing the field faster changes the equation for Chicago.
The spectacular plays have always been there. If the routine ones continue becoming easier, Johnson may be watching Williams make the jump Bears fans have been waiting for.
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