Tom Brady knows a thing or two about what makes a quarterback and offensive coordinator work together. He spent years dissecting defenses alongside Josh McDaniels in New England, winning championships while making life miserable for opposing defensive coordinators.
Now he's watching Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson develop something similar in Chicago.
During a recent appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Brady offered some unusually strong praise for the Bears' quarterback and head coach. He wasn't simply impressed with Chicago's 34-17 victory over Seattle.
He believes Williams might be exactly the quarterback Johnson needs.
Tom Brady believes Caleb Williams is the perfect fit for Ben Johnson
"I think Caleb Williams is the perfect quarterback for that Ben Johnson offense," Brady said.
That's quite an endorsement from someone with seven Super Bowl rings.
Brady explained that Johnson's offense requires a quarterback who can handle unconventional play designs. Chicago moves the pocket, changes launch points and constantly forces defenders to account for different possibilities.
Against Seattle, that approach was particularly effective.
The Seahawks couldn't simply attack Williams and hope to disrupt Chicago's passing game. They had to account for Luther Burden's speed, D'Andre Swift's physicality and Williams' ability to extend plays.
Brady pointed out that Seattle's defense, which typically thrives on attacking opponents, spent much of Monday night reacting instead.
That's a pretty significant change against the defending Super Bowl champions.
Brady's comments about quarterback trust should excite Bears fans
Perhaps the most interesting part of Brady's assessment wasn't about Williams' arm or Johnson's playbook.
It was about trust.
Brady explained that developing a productive relationship between a quarterback and play caller can take multiple seasons. Eventually, the quarterback becomes comfortable enough to offer input, challenge certain ideas and help shape the offense around his strengths.
He pointed to Jared Goff's development under Johnson in Detroit as an example.
Goff initially learned to operate within Sean McVay's system with the Rams. His experience eventually helped him establish a different relationship with Johnson, where both sides understood which concepts worked best.
Williams is still developing that relationship with his head coach.
But Brady already sees the possibilities.
The Bears aren't asking Williams to stand in the pocket and execute the same handful of concepts every Sunday. Johnson is giving him different ways to attack defenses, and Williams is beginning to look increasingly comfortable doing it.
Chicago has spent years searching for a quarterback who could become the centerpiece of a dangerous offense.
Brady seems convinced the Bears have finally found the right quarterback and coach combination.
And after what happened in Seattle, it's becoming harder to argue with him.
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