The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 campaign with high hopes after making waves in the first year under Ben Johnson. They went 11-6 to win the NFC North last year, but it also took some time for things to click, especially offensively.
Johnson's scheme takes some time to get used to, and quarterback Caleb Williams experienced that firsthand. But as he enters his second year under Johnson, Williams is far more comfortable, and that should make fans excited.
"It's a hell of a lot more fun for me than it was last year just because... I feel like I was drowning trying to breathe or stay alive and wait for a boat to come around last year."
Caleb Williams confidence level will be higher in 2026
Williams' comments shouldn't come as a surprise, as players get more relaxed as they spend more time in a system. Especially one as extensive as Johnson's. From the verbiage to the play calls to pre-snap motions and depth of each play, there's so much to learn. And from a quarterback's point of view, it's a different level, and the fact that Williams is boasting about how much fun he's having, the rest of the league should be worried.
Williams completed 58 percent of his throws but was seventh in passing yards (3,942), sixth in passing touchdowns (27), and tied for 12th in interceptions (7). Not only was he putting these numbers, but he was also the comeback king. Williams finished with seven comeback wins in the fourth quarter, including the postseason.
As the season went on, you could see Williams was getting more comfortable in this offensive system while still learning more with each day. Now that he has been with Johnson for over a year, Williams will be able to play more freely in 2026 without having to think as much. And that should lead to an uptick in his stats.
Williams saying he just wanted to "stay alive" in 2025 shows how much was on the young quarterback's mind. The fact that won't be the case in 2026 is exciting and shows there's another level that he will be able to tap into.
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Johnson will be able to get deeper into his bag of tricks due to the comfort level of his quarterback. Williams playing free next season is exciting and should help the offense reach another level. The Iceman is having fun, and that will be cold for the rest of the NFL.
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