No Pressure? Caleb Williams Embraces Expectations in First Season Under Ben Johnson

Caleb Williams is focusing on honing his skills as a quarterback instead of listening to outside criticism about his rookie year results.

No Pressure? Caleb Williams Embraces Expectations in First Season Under Ben Johnson

Caleb Williams (Image via IMAGO)

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The Chicago Bears appointed Ben Johnson as head coach this year to develop young quarterback Caleb Williams. As one would expect, the expectations are very high for the duo to turn the franchise’s fortune around after the 2024 debacle.

Ryan Poles, team’s General Manager, selected Williams first overall last year. The Heisman Trophy winner showed flashes of brilliance, completing 62.5% of his pass attempts. He threw 20 touchdowns to just 6 picks and added 400+ yards on the ground.

It was clear that only good coaching would unlock Williams’ full potential. They kept one eye on Johnson, who revived the career of Jared Goff in Detroit.

Poles moved quickly to lock down Johnson after the departure of Matt Eberflus and Josh Waldron.

Williams is reportedly making waves in the training camp and even vowed to rewrite history to become the first Bears quarterback to throw over 4000 yards and complete 70% of passes.

Despite the lofty goals, Williams’ first priority is making sure that the Bears record a winning season.

Pressure’s not a thing… I know we didn’t win as many games as we wanted to last year, but I didn’t go 20 [touchdowns] and 20 interceptions and things like that. So, you know, take it for what you want, but no pressure is prevalent; pressure is a privilege, but you know the situation that I’m at. I don’t think I have pressure.

Caleb Williams said via NBC Sports

In the meantime, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky claimed that the 23-year-old is capable of becoming an elite signal caller, but he must make some key changes in his style.

He has to erase a decade’s worth of playing a certain style of football and rebuild the habits. It is going to take, candidly, years. Ben Johnson rocket-shipped with Jared Goff. [Jared] Goff took four or five years in the NFL in building that footwork part of his game up. And so, it’s not like it’s going to be impossible in October, November, December. It’s just gonna take time.

Dan Orlovsky said

EA gives disrespectful ratings to Caleb Williams on Madden 26

After the Bears finished at the bottom of their division, everyone thought they had ruined another young quarterback. However, that’s far from the truth. Indeed, the season and Williams’ performance weren’t perfect, but his numbers prove that there’s a player in him.

No Pressure? Caleb Williams Embraces Expectations in First Season Under Ben Johnson
Caleb Williams (Image via IMAGO)

Unfortunately, EA failed to see that. In the latest edition of their football video game, Madden 26, the company’s analytical department graded Caleb Williams a 75 overall, which is 24th best among quarterbacks.

Jayden Daniels, the offensive Rookie of the Year, of course, received better rankings, but what about Bo Nix? The Denver Broncos quarterback threw twice as many interceptions as Williams, but saw an 8-point jump from his rookie season to get 79.

Williams claimed that he doesn’t bat an eye at the outside noise, but getting lower ratings than his peers is sure to light a fire under him.

The Bears have one of the toughest schedules in 2025. They will face several teams with a record of .500 or more in 2024: Washington, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Minnesota, Green Bay, Philadelphia, and Detroit. They will also play the Bengals, Raiders, and Saints.

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