Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has been notably impressed by quarterback Caleb Williams’ thorough preparation during the team’s offseason sessions. Throughout the initial organized team activities (OTAs), Williams demonstrated a strong focus on both the mental and strategic aspects of the game, which Johnson sees as a crucial factor for success.
Johnson praised Williams’ commitment to learning, stating,
“It’s been consistent throughout. He’s been very attentive. He’s been very detailed in terms of the meetings. He’s taking great notes, he’s asking excellent questions,”
as reported by Mike Pendleton of Bears Wire. Johnson also emphasized the process of balancing practice workloads, saying,
“The more we’re out on the grass together, we’re figuring out what we can put in the morning and what we can execute later on in the afternoon. That’s been the fun part of it so far. For everybody, there’s a saturation level that we’ve got to find what that point is, so that as coaches we don’t ask too much out of any player over the course of the season.”
Detroit’s Reaction to Johnson Joining NFC North Rival Bears
Johnson’s departure from the Detroit Lions to become the Bears’ head coach has stirred reactions within the Lions organization. Detroit’s general manager, Brad Holmes, expressed surprise and some disappointment that Johnson would leave for a division rival. Holmes noted that he had no prior conversation with Johnson about the move and had hoped Chicago would be Johnson’s last destination.
Holmes shared his thoughts with Rainer Sabin of the Detroit Free Press:
“Obviously, there were multiple jobs open that cycle, and so I didn’t really know that. Like, I knew that he interviewed with Chicago, but he interviewed for a lot of the other positions, too. So I really didn’t know, really, which way it would go. I was thinking Chicago would have been the last destination, or I was probably hoping that probably. But, no, I really didn’t think that was happening until he actually accepted the job. And we had a little talk before he left. I was happy for him. I mean he’s a hell of a coach, man. And they have a really good one up there,”
before adding,
“It’s just a little like, ‘Why Chicago?’”
Vikings Confident in J.J. McCarthy as New Starting QB
While the Bears focus on Caleb Williams, the Minnesota Vikings, coming off a 14-3 season, are transitioning to J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback after losing Sam Darnold to the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. The Vikings’ receiver Jordan Addison expressed strong confidence in McCarthy’s abilities and character.
Addison told Darren Wolfson of KSTP,
“He’s a great player and even a better person, so I feel like it’s going to be easy. Come Sunday (during the season), it’s going to be easy.”
This positive outlook reflects optimism about the Vikings’ quarterback transition and their prospects in the NFC North.
Offseason Preparations Point to Intense NFC North Competition
Ben Johnson’s praise for Caleb Williams’ offseason preparation underscores how the Bears are aiming to strengthen their position in the NFC North. Williams’ detailed study habits and mental readiness may prove to be a key advantage during the upcoming season. Meanwhile, the division rivals, including the Lions and Vikings, are also making strategic moves with new coaching changes and quarterback adjustments.
The effectiveness of these offseason efforts will be closely watched as teams begin the regular season. With Johnson’s experience and Williams’ dedication, the Bears hope to be a major contender, signaling an exciting and competitive NFC North race ahead.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Caleb Williams autosexual?
A. Caleb Williams has identified as “autosexual.” Autosexuality is a sexual orientation where people mainly feel sexual attraction and desire toward themselves.