Optimism surrounding the Bears isn't based completely on Ben Johnson's reputation anymore, and it's certainly not built on hopes and dreams like it has been in the past. After Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson have enjoyed a full season together, the duo should be operating with a level of comfort that we haven't seen from Williams before. Coach Johnson has expressed his need to reign in his natural urge to expand and innovate the playbook, but has also acknowledged that the reps and continuity is often more important for a young quarterback.
With the start of Training Camp, coach Johnson recently spoke with the media on his vision for training camp and starting over. His comments on Williams were consistent with his thoughts he expressed at the end of last season.
"He’s had two offseasons and one training camp so far, and a full season, obviously, to where he’s had a lot of the similar concepts repeat for him. And now we’re at the point where he’s not thinking about the play call, he’s not thinking about the cadence, the motion, and all the jigamaro before the snap. Things are starting to slow down."Ben Johnson
Williams entered the Bears system during a whirlwind. Dealing with Eberflus was potentially a setback for Williams' career walking into the league, but now that he's had consistency from Johnson and his team of coaches, the pre-snap concepts aren't taking up any of his focus. Those are the sort of things that come easily with muscle memory and repetition. It's easier said than done, but that's what coach Johnson means when he says the game slows down. He's saying that Williams should be acknowledging those things as second nature and that his attention remains on the coverage in front of him.
"What we need to see here in camp is that anticipation, take it up a notch. I think with that, the coverage recognition gets taken up another notch."Ben Johnson
Johnson is showing us that he's expecting more from Williams than he did before. He's recognizing that it's time to step up to the next level of development in the NFL. Another year under Johnson also means another year throwing to Odunze, to Loveland or Burden, to his trusted receivers. Having that chemistry carry year over year is what Johnson is talking about.
Coach Johnson isn't just expecting "more" from Williams. He's moving the needle from managing pre-snap operation to anticipating what happens after the snap. And the continuity surrounding him will help that every step of the way. Johnson's instinct to innovate is good, and it should be celebrated. But also understanding that making unnecessary changes could mean the difference between repeating as NFC North champs, or taking the Lions usual spot.
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