Caleb Williams, the former No. 1 overall pick, is facing early challenges during the Chicago Bears training camp as he works to master a new offensive system. Expectations were high after his first season, but the Bears’ recent struggles during camp have raised questions about whether Williams can elevate the team as hoped.

Williams joined the Bears last year with hopes of transforming a franchise that has long sought elite quarterback leadership but endured a difficult 5-12 season in 2024. Now, with a revamped coaching staff and improved offensive personnel, the Bears entered training camp optimistic. However, early reports from practices at Soldier Field suggest that both Williams and the offense are encountering hurdles, triggering concern among fans and analysts.

Ongoing Difficulties Highlighted at Training Camp

The Bears’ defense has shown a clear edge over the offense during recent practices, disrupting what coaches and supporters expected to be a balanced contest in training camp sessions. At the recent Family Fest practice held at Soldier Field, the defense dominated, while the offense, led by Williams, struggled with execution and penalties. This uneven dynamic has fueled unease, especially considering the talent added on offense this offseason.

According to reporting from FOX 32, the first-team offense committed three delay of game penalties during Sunday’s practice due to Williams’ difficulty completing pre-snap reads before the play clock expired. Head coach Ben Johnson did not mince words about these mental errors, emphasizing their impact in a more game-like setting:

This was more like a real game, and if it continues like that, we’re not going to win any games.

—Ben Johnson, Bears Head Coach

Williams also experienced pressure in the pocket, consistent with his rookie season struggles. Chicago Tribune reporter Brad Biggs noted that Williams likely would have thrown an interception if not for a deflection by wide receiver Rome Odunze. Odunze’s play was critical in preventing turnovers, but the offensive struggles were apparent. Biggs detailed the session’s offense stats on social media:

Rome Odunze gets a PBU on the final snap of this series for 1st team offense. He knocked a gift interception for Nick McCloud away. 11 trips to line by 1st team offense – 2 delay of games – 1 handoff – 2 QB scrambles (pressured) – 1 sack – 2 completions – 3 incompletions

—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune Reporter

These mistakes occurred in front of a packed stadium audience, intensifying scrutiny regarding the offense’s readiness and Williams’ command of the new system.

Viral Video Adds to Fans’ Apprehension

A recent training camp video went viral after capturing Williams and fellow Bears quarterbacks participating in an accuracy drill involving throwing into three square nets. The clip showed Williams missing a throw by a wide margin and expressing visible frustration. This further amplified fan concerns as confidence in his consistency appeared shaken early in camp.

Williams Addresses Training Camp Challenges

In an interview with the NFL Network, Williams acknowledged that adapting to Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme has been a complex process. He noted the intensity of the camp as they push limits and work to iron out mistakes.

It’s been a lot. As it should be. It’s training camp. You know, we’re going to test limits. … [Ben Johnson]’s been adding more and more throughout time. It’s been fun. It’s been good. It’s been challenging. It’s been frustrating when you don’t get it, but that’s what practice is for.

—Caleb Williams, Bears Quarterback

Williams’ remarks highlight the learning curve involved in mastering a new and more sophisticated offensive playbook, offering a perspective of cautious optimism despite the early struggles.

What This Means Moving Forward for Williams and the Bears

While the start of training camp has been uneven for the Bears’ offense and Caleb Williams, alarm bells may be premature. The frustrations and errors are not uncommon when a team implements a new offensive system, especially one designed by an innovative coordinator like Ben Johnson, who was previously Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator.

Johnson’s offense is known for its complexity and high reliance on precise execution. Last season with the Lions, Johnson’s team led the NFL by running play action on 20 percent of their plays. In 2024, the Bears rarely used play action, only 11 percent of the time, yet Williams excelled in those situations. This indicates strong potential for the offense once the players become more comfortable.

Positive signs emerged during a recent Tuesday practice when Williams connected with Rome Odunze on a deep touchdown pass down the left sideline, showing flashes of what the offense can achieve. Despite the rough start, Williams and the Bears still appear aligned stylistically, and the ongoing camp workouts are crucial for smoothing out the growing pains.

However, if these struggles continue well into the regular season without noticeable improvement, concerns about Williams’ development and the Bears’ offensive progress will intensify. For now, the focus remains on adapting to the new system and building chemistry—steps necessary for the Bears to regain competitiveness and for Williams to fulfill the promise he showed as the top draft pick.