As excitement continues to build for Ben Johnson's Chicago Bears to make their 2025 debut, cold water has been poured on recent expectations. Fair or not, quarterback Caleb Williams has been a consistent target since joining the league. In a sport where growing pains are expected at the position, it seems Williams wasn't afforded this luxury. Fans and pundits expected instant results, and this was only driven further by the success of fellow rookies Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels, who both led their teams to the 2024 playoffs.
Regardless, last season's frustrations appeared to be firmly in the past before a new report emerged that sheds an unquestionably negative light on Williams. The quarterback reportedly walked away from head coach Thomas Brown, who was attempting to have a conversation after a failed play. Williams didn't want to hear the message and chose simply to ignore it. It seems that this was a common refrain for a quarterback whose work ethic was questioned in the report as well.
Bears Fans Given Concerning Update on Caleb Williams 2024 Antics
This is where it is important to note that these messages are coming from coaches who are no longer working for the Bears. There is a reason for frustration and bitterness when it comes to the performance of the quarterback and what it meant for the 2024 coaching staff. One could easily argue that this should be taken with a heavy grain of salt.
However, all of it lines up with what Chicago fans endured last season and points out the quarterback's difficulty running an NFL offense. After talking about walking away from the coach, the report doubles down, turning back the clock to the start of the season. It seems that even the simplest tasks were difficult for the rookie to execute, if this is to be believed. Whether it was calling plays, the snap count, or understanding progressions, there was a frustrating delay.
One that would go a long way in explaining the 2024 season and why the offense imploded as it did. Regardless, there is no defense of Williams if any of this is true. The bright side for fans is that these are the old emotions of a season that has already been accepted. No matter the level of truth, Williams is undeniably talented and has an incredible mentor in Ben Johnson.
If there is anyone who can get the best out of the quarterback, it is the offensive mastermind. So much of his expertise has been on display at Chicago's expense. The Bears playing the Lions twice a year gave a front row to the ascension of Johnson, and only adds to the level of belief that a corner can be turned.
Even if every word of this is true, Williams was humbled last season, and if he truly cares about winning, he will be forced to adjust. There is every reason to believe that this will happen under Johnson and with a talented cast of playmakers. Still, it is undeniably eyebrow-raising heading into a season full of expectations.