The Chicago Bears finally have an elite quarterback, at least on paper. While the accuracy issues have been a concern, not even the biggest Caleb Williams hater can look someone else in the eye and say he's not one of the most gifted signal-callers of the past decade.
However, talent alone can only take a guy so far. That's why the former No. 1 pick has taken a different approach to his offseason preparation, and after being a more easy-going guy who didn't take himself that seriously at first, he's all about business now.
When asked about his quarterback, head coach Ben Johnson couldn't be prouder of the way he's attacked training camp. He's still the same approachable guy of old, but you can tell he's also matured a lot since the NFC Divisional Round.
Ben Johnson gushes about Caleb Williams' maturity
"I’ve seen a very composed person every time he steps into the building," Johnson said (h/t Chris Emma). "This guy might’ve had a little bit of goofy to him a year ago, and I use that term with love. And now you just see a more serious player and intent every time I’m around him. And I think his teammates feel that as well. He’s getting to the practice field early, he’s making sure his part is taken care of, he’s warmed up, he’s ready to go, he’s staying after with the guys after practice. And so he’s taken a lot of pride in his approach right now. It trickles down to everybody around him. I think it’s a great thing. So, I think he continues to grow up and he’s going to be a huge leader for us this year."
This should be a scary thought for the rest of the league. Scouts always said that Williams would keep the NFL in a chokehold once he figured himself out, and he's about to enter his second year playing for one of the sharpest offensive architects in the game.
Of course, this is not to say that he was just goofing around before. He's always been his own man, has been great at shutting down the outside noise and toxic narratives, especially those that don't have anything to do with him as a player. But now, he's ready to show some teeth.
The Bears already showed how dominant and explosive their offense could be last season. They brought back most of their offensive core and even added more playmakers to the mix, all while their young quarterback continues to make strides in his development.
Simply put, last year's Caleb Williams is the worst version of Caleb Williams he'll ever be. The Bears emphasized decision-making, accuracy, and making life easier for him this offseason. They want him to knock down the layups with the same ease he can drill a half-court, off-balance buzzer-beater.
This team has the weapons to prove that last year's success wasn't a fluke. But if they need their quarterback to put the team on his shoulders and make plasy just a handful of guys in NFL history could even imagine doing, he's also proven to have the 'it' factor in the clutch.
Williams gave the rest of the league two years to get their act together. But now that he's gotten a taste of postseason action, he looks ready to take everyone's lunch money. You've been officially warned.
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