Dan Orlovsky has called on Chicago Bears fans to temper their expectations regarding the development of quarterback Caleb Williams and the team‘s new leadership under Ben Johnson as they prepare for the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season. While some improvement is likely, expecting immediate championship success amid a major coaching overhaul is unrealistic.
Williams endured significant challenges during his rookie season, struggling under pressure and criticism but facing obstacles beyond his control. The Bears’ offensive line frequently faltered, allowing Williams to be sacked 68 times—the highest sack total in the league and 12 more than Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, the next closest in that statistic.
According to data from the Pro Football Sports Network, Chicago’s offensive line was responsible for the NFL’s worst sack rate at 10.7%, with a pressure rate of 35.4%, ranking 18th overall. This protection deficiency made it difficult for Williams to perform optimally behind center.
Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s scheme also failed to capitalize on Williams’ demonstrated strengths. Known in college for his powerful arm and mobility, Williams was frequently forced into risky “hero plays” during late-game situations in the 2024 season. This predictability allowed opposing defenses to adapt and contain him more effectively.
In response to the disappointing season, Bears management made significant midseason changes, firing both Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus. Despite ending the year on a high note with a key divisional victory against the Green Bay Packers, the Bears finished with a mere five wins overall.
New Leadership and Early Training Camp Challenges for Caleb Williams
After hiring Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their new head coach, the Bears entered offseason training with hopes for a fresh start. The initial offseason work, including OTAs and minicamp, went relatively smoothly for Williams. However, early training camp footage revealed clear struggles with the 23-year-old quarterback adjusting to the new system.
Williams threw an interception on the very first play of the training camp and was publicly corrected by Johnson for incorrectly lining up during 7-on-7 drills. On the following day, Williams committed another interception, signaling that there was still a substantial learning curve ahead.
During an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky advised fans to remain patient with the Bears’ young starter. Johnson is regarded as a skilled coach, having taken several years to elevate Jared Goff to an elite level, and Williams, still just in his second season, will naturally make mistakes as he acclimates to Johnson’s playbook.
“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
Signs of Improvement Emerge as Training Camp Progresses
Despite initial setbacks, Williams showed progress by the third day of camp, suggesting he is beginning to absorb the coaching and refine his abilities. Bears insider Adam Hoge highlighted this improvement, praising Williams’ near-flawless performance during a two-minute drill closing with a touchdown connection to wide receiver Rome Odunze.
“Easily Caleb Williams’ best day of camp. Other than a bad delay of game, he was perfect in the 2-min drill and ended it with a nice TD connection to Rome Odunze.”
—Adam Hoge
These improvements indicate that Williams is working hard to adapt to the NFL’s complexities and a new offensive system. Although he has much to learn about the subtleties required of a top-tier quarterback, the guidance of Johnson could be instrumental in his growth.
Addressing Offensive Line Issues to Support Williams’ Development
One of the critical factors holding back the Bears during Williams’ rookie year was poor offensive line play. To address this, the team bolstered its line with experienced, highly graded players such as Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney, and Drew Dalman. This infusion of talent aims to provide Williams with better protection, enabling him to execute his natural play style more effectively.
With a resilient offensive line and a coaching staff dedicated to developing Williams’ skills, the Bears hope to become a more competitive team within the NFC North. Fans, however, will need to exercise patience as the team completes this rebuilding phase and Williams gains confidence and mastery of his new surroundings.
The significance of this transition period is considerable, given Williams’ potential and the Bears’ history of rebuilding efforts. If Williams can grow under Johnson’s mentorship and benefit from enhanced protection, the team could re-emerge as a strong contender in coming years. For now, cautious optimism remains the most prudent approach.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Caleb Williams number 13?
A. He was among six quarterbacks picked in the first round, matching the 1983 draft for the highest number in NFL history. Since his college number 13 was already used by Keenan Allen, Williams chose his high school number 18 in the NFL. The choice was announced shortly after he was drafted.