Bears' Ben Johnson 'Very Pleased' with Caleb Williams, Clarifies Previous Comments

On Monday, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said his team was "winning in spite of the passing game."

One day later, Johnson clarified his comments and praised quarterback Caleb Williams during his press conference (h/t Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk).

"I think when I made that comment yesterday, it's easily to construe it as I'm not happy with the quarterback," Johnson said. "That's not the case whatsoever. He continues to get better each and every week, and I couldn't be more pleased with how he played last week."

One day earlier, Johnson spoke about things the passing game needs to improve. In essence, he noted everyone has a role in getting better.

"We gotta fundamentally be correct," Johnson said (h/t Alper). "The primary receiver, when he's open, we've got to make sure we hit him. And then, all of our pass catchers, we just harped on it today, we need to be more disciplined in our route detail. It's not where it needs to be. Our depth's not proper all the time. Our steps [aren't]. Everybody has a role to play to get this pass game cleaned up. It's not where it needs to be. We're winning in spite of our passing game, not because of it and none of us are pleased with that right now."

Williams has had an up-and-down year. He's ranked 14th in adjusted net yards gained per pass attempt, 18th in QBR and 22nd in passer rating among 33 qualified quarterbacks, per Pro Football Reference.

Williams' 58.1 percent completion rate is last in the NFL, but he's plus-12 in touchdowns to interceptions (17-5), and that ranks tied for ninth in the league.

At times, he's shined. Williams has had three games this year where he's thrown for three or more touchdowns and no interceptions, including a 298-yard, four-touchdown effort in a 31-14 home win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 21.

▶️ Full Cowboys-Bears Recap

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At times, he's struggled, like when he completed just 17-of-36 passes for 154 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 24-15 win over the Philadelphia Eagles last Friday.

▶️ Full Bears-Eagles Recap

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That passing line didn't matter much, as the Bears rushed for 281 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

Williams, of course, is only in his second NFL season (and his first with the Johnson-led coaching staff).

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft is still learning, but most importantly, his 9-3 Bears sit atop the NFC North and have a chance to get the conference's No. 1 seed. Johnson is also pleased with things Williams has done.

"I know what the stats say," Johnson said (h/t Alper). "Throw those out the window. He's doing a really good job managing the ballgame and that's step No. 1 for the quarterback. He's going to continue to get better. The process is really good right now with how he approaches the week. The way he's taken the coaching, the way he's applying the coaching. I'm very pleased with that. I think we're going to continue to see him ascend whether the stats tell the story or not."

Johnson, Williams and the Bears now have a major test up ahead when they visit the arch-rival 8-3-1 Green Bay Packers on Sunday. They'll also face Green Bay again on Dec. 20.