From the moment Caleb Williams stepped onto the field last year, the Chicago Bears knew how good he could be. They need to set him up for success.
The former number one overall pick was seen as the cornerstone piece the Bears have needed for decades. That's what made it easy for Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton to include Williams as his choice for Chicago's most promising building block.
"Caleb Williams struggled early in his rookie year but showed improvement in the second half of the campaign despite turnover within the Chicago Bears' coaching staff.
In 2024, the Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus weeks apart. Yet Williams posted respectable passing numbers, throwing for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 62.5 percent completion rate.
For context, Williams threw for 11 touchdowns and an interception with an interim offensive play-caller, Thomas Brown, between Weeks 12 and 18.
This offseason, the Bears hired Ben Johnson, who's a first-time head coach but a proven offensive play-caller who led the Detroit Lions' top-five scoring attack over the last three years. Williams is going to take a significant second-year leap in a well-designed system, throwing to DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland."
Williams is everything to the Bears' success in 2025
Every move made this offseason has been with Williams in mind, explaining why they are bringing in the players they are. Three new offensive line starters are to avoid another 68-sack season. Loveland and Burden are two more young offensive weapons that can instantly help out and build chemistry with Williams for the next few years.
Even bringing in Johnson as head coach was intended to help Williams in his development. Johnson and Williams are off to a good start, thanks to some hard coaching and a focus on improving quick decision-making and body language.
Williams got a pass last year for the bad season of the team. He still managed to just throw six interceptions and started every game without missing time. There are some positives to work with there despite a lack of pass blocking and a run game.
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The excuses are gone in 2025, and now it's time for Williams to live up to his full potential. This is a task he seems prepared to handle.