So much progress has been made from offseason workouts to the final preseason game with Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, thanks to head coach Ben Johnson.
There were some bumps and bruises along the way with pre-snap issues, decision-making, and body language, but Williams has stepped up and done well. A lot of momentum is being built for the Bears entering the 2025 season. One move could put that in jeopardy.
After the news of the Dallas Cowboys trading edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, CBS Sports' Jordan Dajani named NFC North quarterbacks, including Williams, as one of the big losers in the trade.
"Caleb Williams is still trying to find his footing in the league, J.J. McCarthy is taking over forSam Darnold this year and Jared Goff lost a couple of pieces on his offensive line and his offensive coordinator. Now, they have to worry about Parsons coming off the edge."
How this trade could wreck everything Johnson has been working on with Williams
One of the significant problems last year with Williams was that he developed destructive behaviors during the scramble drill, particularly when trying to make something happen under pressure with the ball in his face. Part of this was attributed to Williams not making quick decisions, and some of it was due to the poor play of the offensive line.
The Bears addressed those issues with the addition of three new interior offensive linemen via trade or free agency in the offseason. It didn't quite resolve the lingering questions surrounding left tackle Braxton Jones and right tackle Darnell Wright. They will have to face Parsons twice a year for a long time. Are they ready to block him?
One positive aspect is that with Parsons being an elite pass rusher, it highlights what Johnson needs to do from a play-calling perspective. He needs to execute quick passes and establish the run game more effectively. The Bears need to move the ball away from Parsons' side of the ball.
Best way to do that? Play action bootlegs with Williams, which he looked very good at doing in the preseason. Get the ball in D'Andre Swift's hands with more runs up the middle and on the outside, opposite side of Parsons.
Read more: Chicago host baffled Bears didn't offer these trade packages for Micah Parsons
It's going to be a challenge, but this will be a good thing for Williams. This will make him a stronger pocket passer. Or it could eliminate everything he worked on over the last few months.