**Ben Johnson Puts Caleb Williams and Bears Offense on Notice After ‘Sloppy’ Training Camp**
The Chicago Bears entered the 2024 NFL season with sky-high expectations, thanks in large part to the arrival of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Touted as a generational talent, Williams was expected to transform the Bears’ offense into an explosive unit capable of competing with the best in the league. However, after just a few days of training camp, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson—a respected offensive mind—has already raised concerns about the Bears’ early struggles, calling out Williams and the offense for their “sloppy” play.
From the moment he was drafted, Caleb Williams has been under an intense microscope. The former Heisman Trophy winner was praised for his elite arm talent, improvisational skills, and ability to make plays under pressure. However, transitioning from college to the NFL is never easy, and early reports from Bears training camp suggest that Williams is still adjusting to the speed and complexity of professional defenses.
Multiple observers have noted that Williams has had his fair share of struggles, including miscommunications with receivers, errant throws, and occasional hesitation in the pocket. While some growing pains are expected, the frequency of these mistakes has caught the attention of rival coaches—including Detroit’s Ben Johnson, who didn’t hold back in his assessment.
Johnson, who has been instrumental in developing Jared Goff and the Lions’ high-powered offense, was asked about the Bears’ new-look attack during a media session. His response was telling:
*”You always pay attention to division rivals, especially when they make big moves like Chicago did. But from what I’ve seen so far, they’ve got a long way to go. It’s been sloppy—mistakes in timing, protection breakdowns, just not as crisp as you’d expect from a team with that much talent. Caleb’s a special player, but he’s gotta clean it up fast because defenses in this league won’t wait for him to figure it out.”*
Johnson’s comments weren’t meant as an outright criticism but rather as a reality check. The NFL is unforgiving, and even the most talented rookies can be exposed if they don’t adapt quickly. His words also serve as a warning to the Bears’ coaching staff—opponents are already identifying weaknesses to exploit.
So, what exactly has gone wrong in the early stages of Bears camp? Several key issues have emerged:
1. **Chemistry with Receivers** – Williams is working with a mostly new group of pass-catchers, including Keenan Allen (acquired via trade), rookie Rome Odunze, and holdovers like D.J. Moore and Cole Kmet. While the talent is undeniable, timing and route precision have been inconsistent. Allen, a veteran known for his precision, has reportedly been frustrated at times with miscommunications on option routes.
2. **Offensive Line Concerns** – The Bears invested in their offensive line this offseason, signing veteran guard Ryan Bates and drafting tackle Kiran Amegadjie. However, early camp reports indicate that protection has been shaky, with Williams facing pressure up the middle more often than expected. If the line doesn’t gel quickly, it could spell trouble against aggressive NFC North defenses.
3. **Decision-Making Under Pressure** – One of Williams’ greatest strengths in college was his ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing. However, NFL defenses are far more disciplined, and early signs suggest that he’s still learning when to take risks and when to throw the ball away. A few forced throws in camp have resulted in interceptions, a bad habit that could haunt him in real games.
4. **Playbook Familiarity** – New offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is installing a system that blends West Coast principles with modern spread concepts. While the scheme is designed to maximize Williams’ strengths, the rookie is still processing coverages and making adjustments at the line—something that will take time.
Johnson’s comments should serve as a wake-up call for Chicago. The good news? It’s still early, and training camp is the perfect time to iron out these issues. Here’s what the Bears must do to get back on track:
– **More Reps for Williams & Starters** – Chemistry doesn’t develop overnight. The Bears need to prioritize first-team reps to ensure Williams is in sync with his top weapons before Week 1.
– **Tighten Up Protection** – The offensive line must establish cohesion, particularly in identifying blitzes and stunts. If Williams is constantly under duress, the offense will never find its rhythm.
– **Simplify Early** – While Waldron’s system is versatile, he may need to scale back the complexity early in the season to allow Williams to play faster.
– **Embrace the Grind** – Rookie quarterbacks face growing pains—Peyton Manning threw 28 interceptions his first year. The key is learning from mistakes rather than letting them snowball.
The Bears’ front office has made it clear: This is a win-now roster. With Williams on a rookie deal, the team has aggressively added talent to compete immediately. But if the offense stumbles out of the gate, pressure will mount quickly.
Head coach Matt Eberflus is already on the hot seat after back-to-back losing seasons. Another slow start could put his job in jeopardy, especially with a rookie QB who needs stability. Meanwhile, Williams faces immense scrutiny as the face of the franchise—fair or not, his early performances will shape the narrative around his career.
Ben Johnson’s remarks may have been blunt, but they were honest. The Bears’ offense has the potential to be dynamic, but potential doesn’t win games—execution does. If Williams and company can clean up the sloppiness before the season begins, they’ll silence doubters quickly. If not, they’ll face an uphill battle in a division that features the Lions’ explosive attack, Jordan Love’s ascending Packers, and a Vikings team hungry to prove itself.
One thing is certain: All eyes will be on Chicago when the regular season kicks off. The clock is ticking for Caleb Williams to prove he’s ready—and for the Bears to show they’re legitimate contenders.
