While there have been some rough moments, Chicago Bears fans have to be very pleased with the overall performance of quarterback Caleb Williams in the 2025 season. The Bears are 2-2 after beating the Las Vegas Raiders heading into their bye (despite a horrendous choke in Week 1), while Williams has accounted for nine total touchdowns against two interceptions.
The addition of Ben Johnson has been tremendous for Williams. Not only is he coaching out some of the former No. 1 pick's big flaws, but Johnson is also expanding Williams' strengths as a quarterback.
Most defenses believe that Williams' penchant for taking sacks could lead to negative plays for the Chicago offense if he gets heated up in the pocket. Unfortunately for opposing coaches, Williams has shown that whenever extra rushers are coming, he is at his best.
Williams' 6-0 touchdown/interception ratio against the blitz this season is the best in the NFL, as is his sparkling 136.3 passer rating. If Williams continues to dominate in this area, and adjustments are not made, the Bears' offense may continue to surprise some of the less-optimistic opinionators out there.
Bears QB Caleb Williams has been great against the blitz in 2025
Williams actually performed better against the blitz than most rookie quarterbacks normally do during his 2024 season. Pro Football Focus gave Williams a 78.9 grade against the blitz last year, which would have been the best for any rookie since 2016 had it not been for fellow 2024 classmate Jayden Daniels.
Williams' combination of rocket arm strength, escapability outside of the pocket, and willingness to challenge defenses downfield means that he can make them pay if he avoids the initial rush. With a new and improved offensive line, Williams isn't under duress as much as he was last year.
While there are still some holes that need to be cleaned up in his game, notably his tendency to try to make something out of nothing by holding onto the ball, the addition of Johnson has clearly helped Williams become more decisive in his reads and willing to cut it loose if he sees an open man.
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Once the Bears get a running game that is better than the flotsam D'Andre Swift is putting on display, Williams might be able to take the next step when it comes to turning the Bears into a more sustainable winner. For now, the Bears will make do with their ascending star ripping aggressive defenses apart.