They made the playoffs. The numbers jumped. The city believes again.
And yet, Ben Johnson just delivered a warning to the rest of the NFL:
Caleb Williams hasnât even scratched the surface.
After a breakout 2025 season that revived the Chicago Bearsâ offense and restored relevance to the franchise, Johnson says Year 2 of this partnership could look dramatically different â and significantly more dangerous.
From Promise to Production
When the Bears hired Ben Johnson, the mission was clear: accelerate Caleb Williamsâ development.
Mission accomplished â at least partially.
Williams threw for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions in 2025. His decision-making improved. His command improved. His confidence grew.
Chicago enjoyed its most successful season in nearly a decade.
But Johnson isnât celebrating yet.
Because in his eyes, the best version of Williams hasnât shown up.
âLightyears Betterâ in 2026?
On SportsCenter, Johnson made a bold prediction:
âHeâs done a phenomenal job picking up the coaching⊠He just hadnât played a lot of ball in this league yet⊠We just got to get him to play in structure just a tad bit more. I think heâs just gonna be lightyears better.â
That phrase â lightyears better â isnât casual.
Itâs calculated.
Johnson believes Williamsâ improvisational brilliance is only part of the equation. The next leap isnât about throwing deeper or running faster.
Itâs about discipline.
Structure.
Timing.
The Double-Edged Sword
Williamsâ superpower has always been off-script magic. Escaping pressure. Extending plays. Creating the impossible.
But that same instinct sometimes works against him.
He continues to hold the ball longer than league average. He trusts his creativity â sometimes too much. His completion percentage (58.2%) remains the one statistical blemish in an otherwise upward trajectory.
Johnson doesnât want to eliminate the chaos.
He wants to control it.
And if Williams learns when to stay within the system â while keeping that improvisational edge â Chicagoâs offense could become one of the leagueâs most difficult puzzles to solve.
Stability Amid Change
There is, however, one familiar hurdle.
Coaching turnover.
Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle left for Baltimore, but rather than overhaul the staff, Johnson promoted passing game coordinator Press Taylor. Quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett returns for Year 2.
That continuity matters.
For the first time in his young career, Williams wonât be relearning terminology, footwork philosophy, and offensive identity from scratch.
Instead, he builds.
Thatâs when real leaps happen.
The Bigger Picture
In 2025, Williams proved he belongs.
In 2026, Johnson wants him to dominate.
And thatâs a terrifying concept for NFC defenses.
Because what we saw last season might not have been a finished product.
It might have been the tutorial.
Chicagoâs ceiling isnât just playoff appearances.
Itâs sustained contention.
If Williams becomes more efficient within structure â without sacrificing the backyard brilliance that made him special â the Bears wonât just be competitive.
Theyâll be explosive.
The Warning Shot
Johnsonâs message wasnât hype.
It was confidence rooted in film, meetings, and daily growth.
The Bears arenât rebuilding.
Theyâre refining.
And if âlightyears betterâ isnât coach speak â if itâs reality â the NFC North race just got a lot more complicated.
Because Caleb Williams might be entering his most dangerous phase:
The one where talent meets control.
Leave a Reply