The Chicago Bears’ offensive development under quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson appears to be facing initial challenges, as indicated by recent practices. Johnson acknowledged on Sunday that the offense is not yet performing at the desired level, signaling that significant work remains before the season begins.
Williams, the 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick, and Johnson are working to develop a high-powered offense, but their progress so far has been slower than expected.
Coach Johnson Cites Sloppiness During Practice Sessions
Reflecting on the recent practice, Johnson admitted the unit had been
“sloppier than we were hoping we would be at this point,”
as reported by The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain. He noted that while the team showed flashes during the last couple of practices, it took time for them to reach a competitive level, particularly when physical contact started.
“We had a really good couple of practices over the last two, and then [it] took us a little while to get going and hear the pads clicking. I thought toward the end we picked it up and got pretty competitive here,”
Johnson explained.
Highlights Show Potential Amid Ongoing Issues
Despite the setbacks, the offense displayed moments of promise. In a red-zone drill, Williams executed a fake handoff to wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus before completing a short touchdown pass to tight end Cole Kmet. This play illustrated the potential of the misdirection and timing integral to Johnson’s system.
“Ben Johnson casually cooking up a misdirection TD to Cole Kmet from Caleb Williams….2 guys are wideeeee open. Gonna be a fun season in Chicago” —Chase Daniel, former NFL quarterback
However, multiple delay of game penalties marred the practice, highlighting a lack of discipline and timing issues that could hinder game-day success.
Pre-Snap Penalties Highlight Learning Curve
Johnson pointed out that delay of game penalties are a serious concern, particularly since these errors appeared more frequently during what felt like a real-game scenario. He emphasized the urgency of correcting these mistakes to remain competitive in games.
“It’s something that we’re going to have to address for sure. It showed up more today than it has in practice. This was more like a real game, and if it continues like that, we’re not going to win many games.” —Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears head coach
The prevalence of these penalties indicates that Williams and the offense are still adapting to Johnson’s complicated playbook, which demands precise timing and execution.
Challenges of Adjusting to a Complex System
Johnson’s offensive strategy, known for its emphasis on pre-snap motion and exact route running, has proven highly effective in the past. As the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions in 2024, he helped craft the league‘s highest-scoring offense, averaging 33.2 points per game.
That Detroit team featured established stars such as wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who contributed heavily to their success. In contrast, the Bears concluded last season with a 5-12 record and must build a more cohesive offensive identity around Williams moving forward.
Williams’ Ambitious Goals Face Reality Check
Williams has openly stated his goal to become the first Bears quarterback to surpass 4,000 passing yards in a season while maintaining a 70% completion rate. Yet, given the current state of the offense’s struggles, these lofty targets may be difficult to achieve in his rookie year.
The Bears’ offense still has unresolved issues and may not fully iron out these problems before the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on September 8 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Outlook for the Bears’ Offense in 2025
As the Bears prepare for the new season, the offensive unit’s growing pains under Ben Johnson’s leadership highlight the importance of patience and development. While flashes of skill and creativity have emerged, consistent execution remains elusive. The team’s ability to overcome these early hurdles will likely set the tone for their competitiveness in 2025.
With a complex system to master and high expectations on both Williams and the coaching staff, the Chicago Bears’ offensive development journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.