This 2026 Chicago Bears team is very different from the one the city has seen in the past decade plus.
A big reason for that is they have learned how to win the close games and built a culture of winning, but as head coach Ben Johnson has pointed out that accountability has been the biggest factor for the team performing well. When asked about how that accountability looks with quarterback Caleb Williams, Johnson gave it to them straight.
"Well, I think it comes with the comfort level in terms of knowing what's being asked in terms of the offense," Johnson said via ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "We're all aligned on what we want a certain route to look like, where we want the ball to be thrown, and so, you know, routes on air he can go out there and tell the receiver, 'Hey, you're missing your depth,' or 'Expect the ball to be at this spot.' Whether we're out there in a practice setting or he likes to keep those guys out there after and work a little bit more after practice. I think he's stepped up and he's continuing to get better every single day, and it's just a better of how many reps can we continue to pile on over the course of training camp. But no, he's certainly is a vocal presence within our offense and our entire team."
Ben Johnson shared how Caleb Williams is holding the Bears accountable
Williams's leadership abilities have gotten better over the last two years as he has grown from the rookie he was in 2024. During that season, there was a lot of criticism regarding his body language and how he handled losing.
Things were very different in 2025 as Williams used his emotions to his advantage, encouraging his team when things were down and showing better body language. When Williams spoke with his teammates, it was more about holding them accountable and making sure everyone was on the same page, something that was not seen in the chaotic 2024 season.
There are still things within Williams' game on the field that need to be improved and worked on, but he is showing the kind of maturity that is needed in a franchise quarterback. This is only going to get better over the next few years as the Bears look like a team that will be around the contender conversation for a long time.
Read more: Bears fans are concerned about new stadium (but Caleb Williams doesn't seem to be)
The Bears fan base is in a good time where they can see Williams continue to improve as a quarterback and a leader. All the signs are there that he is going to be the quarterback who will lead the Bears to the promised land of a Super Bowl.
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