The Chicago Bears have never had an elite quarterback. They never had a 4,000-yard passer, and while plenty of that has to do with Chicago's inclement weather and the team's running game and defensive tradition, they've also lacked the personnel.
That all changed two years ago. Caleb Williams looked like a generational talent in college, and while he has yet to reach his best level in the pros, he's gotten better almost weekly, and that won't change in 2026.
If anything, Williams should only get more dangerous with more time playing for Ben Johnson. Considering that, FanSided insider Jason La Canfora predicted that Williams would lead the league in passing yards in 2026.
Caleb Williams may finally break the Bears' curse
"Ben Johnson is cold-blooded as a play caller. He threw on first down as often as anyone in the NFL last season, and that was with Caleb Williams learning a new system, shaking off a rough rookie year and unlearning some bad habits from previous coaching staffs. He also had to earn Johnson's trust. Mission accomplished," wrote La Canfora. "Yes, the cold weather could be an issue. And Johnson likes to get multiple backs involved running the ball. But this kid has unreal athleticism, and Johnson was all about chucking the ball all over the place when he was in Detroit."
Some may talk about Caleb Williams and the Madden curse, but that's not the only spell the former No. 1 pick might break in 2026. He should also be this team's first All-Pro quarterback since Johnny Lujack in the 1950s.
Ben Johnson has one of the brightest and most aggressive offensive minds in the game. He coached Williams hard and called him out for his accuracy issues because he knows he can be better, and he won't tolerate more miscues in that regard.
Williams' ability to go off-script is among the all-time greats. Anything can happen once he rolls out of the pocket, and while he takes unnecessary risks at times, he can make cross-body throws and throws on the move that probably only a couple of guys in the league could make. You can certainly see some Patrick Mahomes in his game, and that's not something one should say lightly.
The Bears lost star rookie OT Ozzy Trapilo with an injury, but their offensive line should still hold up pretty nicely. And with a star-studded receiver corps and a playcaller who won't hesitate to let his quarterback sling the football down the field, this prediction makes perfect sense.
Also, the Bears might need Williams to throw early and often in 2026. They didn't do much to improve their shaky defense, and the young quarterback has already shown that he's got ice in his veins and won't hesitate to take matters into his own hands when the game is on the line.
Some questioned his character because he painted his nails and didn't abide by the usual cannons of an NFL quarterback. Others claimed he was too erratic. But after two years -- one of which was essentially a wasted campaign under Matt Eberflus -- Williams has proven that he's the real deal, and he's just getting started.
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