Rookie QB Caleb Williams Struggles to Adapt Under New Bears Coach

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Chicago Bears are facing a critical decision regarding their young quarterback, Caleb Williams. Last year, under former head coach Matt Eberflus, Williams had a difficult debut season, leading the team to a 5-12 record and a fourth-place finish in the NFC North.

In an effort to turn things around, the Bears have brought in a new head coach, Ben Johnson, an offensive guru known for his innovative schemes. However, the team's approach to Williams has raised some concerns among NFL analysts.

According to Jason McIntyre, a prominent NFL analyst, the Bears are still treating Williams like a rookie, forcing him to "unlearn" everything he learned last year. This comparison to the failed career of former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel is particularly worrying, as McIntyre suggests that Williams' confidence may be "shot" and that his default reaction is to "tuck and run" rather than make plays from the pocket.

The numbers support these concerns. During the 2024 season, Williams ranked 24th in passer rating, 29th in yards per attempt, and 25th in completion percentage while in the pocket, out of 34 qualifying quarterbacks. Additionally, he was the most sacked quarterback in the league, with 68 sacks.

As the Bears prepare for their preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, head coach Ben Johnson has indicated that he will let Williams and other starters get the majority of reps during joint practice, but they will not play in the actual game on Sunday. This suggests that the team is taking a cautious approach with their young quarterback, perhaps to allow him to continue adapting to the new offensive system.

The Bears' success in the 2025 season will largely depend on whether Ben Johnson can help Caleb Williams overcome the challenges he faced last year and unlock his full potential. The team's Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings will be a crucial test for the new-look Bears offense.