Before Ben Johnson joined the Chicago Bears organization as the franchise’s next head coach, he had a completely different style of quarterback.
While Johnson was the playcaller for the Detroit Lions, Jared Goff was the man under center. For three seasons, Goff threw for over 13,000 yards and 96 passing touchdowns. The veteran quarterback excelled in Johnson’s offense.
Goff did this without being mobile. He would fit under the traditional pocket-passer quarterback, a style that is not nearly as common today. Caleb Williams, Johnson’s current QB, is capable of extending plays with his elite mobility.
Williams' legs gives Johnson a new element to the offense he's never had
In the Bears’ 24-20 victory over the New York Giants at Soldier Field, Williams somehow avoided registering a sack on the box score despite pass rushers having plenty of opportunities to bring down the second-year quarterback. His ability to evade rushers was a primary component.
During Johnson’s media availability, the Bears’ head coach was asked what he’s like on the sideline when he watches Williams avoid pass rushers and whether he is living and dying during those moments.
“No, I'm thinking I'm the best coach in America (laughter),” Johnson said. “I mean, that’s a hell of a play call, wasn’t it? (laughter) That's the beauty behind what we have going right now is, as a coaching staff, we try to get that primary receiver open as much as we can. Sometimes the defense doesn't cooperate with you. And so Caleb knows that if we can't get one to two or if he's feeling the pressure, he can still make us right and we can still have a good place. So, I think it's a cool thing about where we're at right now.”
Johnson has mentioned the phrase, “Make us right,” in the past when referring to Williams’ playmaking ability outside of structure. Even though Johnson and Goff had plenty of success in Detroit, Williams adds an element to the Bears’ offense that is different.
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Williams and Johnson are only entering their 10th regular-season game as a quarterback-head coach combo. Still, early returns show that this pairing could last longer than what has typically occurred for the Bears’ franchise.