Latest news with #BenJohnson
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘I'm Not Convinced' Former NFL Exec Delivers Blunt Assessment of Caleb Williams
'I'm Not Convinced' Former NFL Exec Delivers Blunt Assessment of Caleb Williams originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After a season filled with flashes of promise and frustrating inconsistency, expectations remain sky-high for Caleb Williams as he enters his second year in Chicago. Despite the ups and downs, the former No. 1 pick managed to break the Bears' rookie records for both passing yards and passing touchdowns—a testament to his talent and upside. Now with a new head coach in Ben Johnson and a new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle, the Bears are hoping a reset will bring more consistency to their young quarterback. Advertisement Still, not everyone is sold. One former NFL executive in particular has voiced serious concerns. Mike Tannenbaum, a former general manager and current ESPN football analyst, made headlines on a recent appearance on Get Up, ESPN's weekday morning show, when he was asked directly: 'Is Caleb Williams the quarterback to bring the Bears back to glory?' Captured by Cham Sura on YouTube, Tannenbaum was candid in his evaluation: 'I am not… [convinced]. I work with Ben Johnson… the new head coach of the Bears. He is going to be a rule-based, disciplined play caller and coach.' 'When you have 68 sacks… you have to bear some of that responsibility.' 'No team has done more for their quarterback in this offseason than the Bears. We'll see if he gets better, but I am concerned by his lack of discipline and his fundamentals.' ESPN insider Dan Graziano, however, took a more measured stance: 'The word 'convinced' is a tricky one here... we don't have enough data on Caleb Williams in the NFL to be convinced one way or the other.' Now under the direction of head coach Ben Johnson and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, the Bears are hoping for a true fresh start. Johnson, who spent the previous two seasons as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, played a pivotal role in transforming their offense into one of the league's most productive and creative units. Caleb WilliamsGetty Images That proven track record adds optimism that he can bring similar success to Chicago's rebuild. With a strong draft class that includes dynamic tight end Colston Loveland and explosive wideout Luther Burden III, the Bears have surrounded Williams with talent. If he can capitalize on that support, year two could become a defining chapter in his development. Advertisement Related: Chicago Bears Rookie Lands Among Top Jersey Sellers Despite Inactivity Related: Bears Coach Delivers Harsh Message to Struggling Rookie This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Ben Johnson is bringing intensity to the Bears defense
When the Chicago Bears hired head coach Ben Johnson this offseason, they did so to help elevate the offense. But he's also bringing some energy to the defense. In his first year as a head coach, Johnson has a respected and established coaching staff around him, mixed with veteran assistants and young, rising coaches looking to make their mark in Johnson's regime. Advertisement While the focus for Johnson and the Bears will be how he turns around the offense and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, one defensive veteran has taken notice of how the new head coach is addressing the defense. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who signed in free agency, raved about Johnson's intensity and focus on the defensive side of the ball. 'He's our leader. It is across the board, the standard is the standard," Jarrett said. "What I can say is with him, and all the coaches, (defensive coordinator Dennis Allen), they're not coming off of it. It's our job as players to put our best foot forward every day to reach what's expected of us. We're never going to be perfect, but the strive to try to reach it, that can breed excellence. I'm excited for the standard that is set for everybody across the board. This isn't a program where you try to be guy's friends and hopefully they'll buy in. No. You have to get with it. I've been around for a long time and that's the kind of culture you have to set early because when the expectations are high, that's what you want.' While Chicago has veteran defensive coordinator and former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen running the show on defense, it's certainly encouraging to see Johnson bringing the intensity to that side of the ball, as well. This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson is bringing intensity to the defense
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Bear's Den, May 30, 2025
WE WANT YOU! Would you like to show your Chicago Bears spirit to the world? I'm starting a feature where Windy City Gridiron readers can share pictures of themselves and their families and friends in Bears attire. Simply email a picture to me at the following address: denmasterken at aol dot com. The pictures need to be clear, and full resolution (i.e. full size from your phone if that's how you take them). Include any description information you like along with the photo! Advertisement THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL DENMASTER KEN'S VIDEO GRAB BAG BEARRRSSSS Chicago Bears receive another primetime game for 2025 preseason - 670 - While they won't be playing in the annual Hall of Fame Game this time around, the Chicago Bears will still be appointment viewing in the 2025 preseason. Chicago Bears roster ranked middle of the pack for 2025 NFL season - SI - The Chicago Bears will enter the 2025 NFL season with high expectations, but a new ranking of every roster in the league suggests cautious optimism. Ben Johnson aiming for no 'skipped steps' with Caleb Williams - SI - Analysis: GM Ryan Poles called out his old staff for skipping steps with QB Caleb Williams last year but so far it's obvious very little goes unchecked by Ben Johnson. Advertisement Bears QB Caleb Williams receives huge endorsement from Pro Football Focus - SI - Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams has a big believer in analytics powerhouse Pro Football Focus ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Caleb Williams reboot? ESPN expert raves about Chicago Bears' offensive facelift - SI - A revered NFL pundit believes with head coach Ben Johnson calling plays, the Bears' offense will look a whole lot different—and likely a whole lot better. Nick Chubb and the Bears? ESPN Insider Sees Chicago as Possible Fit - BN - The latest on Nick Chubb Watch has one NFL insider connecting some dots that suggest the Bears could be a fit. Bears coaches are holding players to a higher standard - 670 - On the Rahimi & Harris Show, Herb Howard of The Bigs shared what has stood out to him at Bears practice during OTAs. What about this new Bears coaching staff is different from the previous regime? Advertisement NFC Notes: Caleb Williams, Jayden Reed, Case Keenum, Bears, Lions, Packers - - Caleb Williams has been around the team facility a lot this offseason to build rapport with the new coaching staff and HC Ben Johnson. Bears OTA takeaways: Why Ben Johnson worked with Caleb Williams on body language - The Athletic - Our observations from Halas Hall include rookie Ozzy Trapilo protecting Williams' blindside as he alternates with Kiran Amegadjie. Chicago Bears, Gov. JB Pritzker hire consultants for stadium talks - Chicago Tribune - Gov. JB Pritzker has spent $100,000 in taxpayer funds for an outside legal consultant to advise the state in discussions with the Chicago Bears. POLISH SAUSAGE Colts set for joint practices with Packers, Ravens - NBC Sports - The Colts are set for joint practices with a couple of teams this summer. Advertisement "Exceptionally high demand" crashes NFL's London ticketing system - NBC Sports - Ticketmaster pauses sales in an effort to combat bots. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON Ryan Bates trade results: Looking back on the 2024 deal between the Bears and Bills - Windy City Gridiron - In this series, we look back at the biggest moves from a year ago and review how they have panned out up to this point. Khalil Mack, Cole Kmet, and the trade results that changed the Bears - Windy City Gridiron - Looking back at the 2018 trade for Khalil Mack, that netted Chicago a great pass rusher and one of the top tight ends in the NFL. Advertisement Chicago Bears Open Thread Question of the Day: Who leads the Bears in sacks in 2025? - Windy City Gridiron - The Bears didn't have a player crack 6 sacks in 2024. Will someone top that this season? SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE PAGE 2nd City Gridiron is our video home! So hit the link and help us grow that brand! THE RULES Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following are not permitted in comments. No personal attacks, politics, gender-based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc. 2nd City Gridiron Podcast Channel which includes Bears Banter hosted by Bill Zimmerman, Bear & Balanced from Jeff Berckes and Lester A. Wiltfong Jr., Bears Over Beers featuring a rotating host line-up of Ryan Droste, Khari Thompson, Jacob Infante, and Bryan Orenchuk, Making Monsters with Taylor Doll, Bear Bones from Dr. Mason West, and an occasional T Formation Conversation from Lester; Steven's Streaming Twitch Channel from Steven Schweickert is another fun one. Advertisement Powered by RedCircle Click on our names to follow us on Twitter: Jeff Berckes; Dr. Patti Curl; Ryan Droste; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Dan Durkin; Taylor Doll; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Aaron Lemming; Dr. Ken Mitchell; Danny Meehan; Bryan Orenchuk; Jack R Salo; Khari Thompson; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; T.J. Starman; Khari Thompson; Dr. Mason West; Bill Zimmerman; 2nd City Gridiron; Like WCG on Facebook; Like 2nd City Gridiron on Facebook. A few of us are also over at Bluesky. More from
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Bears Again Connected to Potential Major Late-Free Agency Move
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Chicago Bears and general manager Ryan Poles were very aggressive early on in NFL free agency this offseason. Heading into the 2025 season, the Bears are a much-improved team that could well make a playoff run if they live up to their potential. Following the 2025 NFL Draft, there has not been much action in the remaining free agency market. Could Chicago consider making another move? Looking at the roster, there are a few areas the Bears could improve. There are also a few free agents available who could help fill the needs the roster does have. Head coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears looks on during the Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall on May 09, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. Head coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears looks on during the Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall on May 09, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. Photo byOne of those needs comes at the running back position. Chicago is not in a "bad" place at running back, but they certainly could use more help if the right player is available. There is one free agency who could make a lot of sense. Read more: Vikings Linked as Possible Trade Suitor for Packers Star With that in mind, the Bears have again been connected to one free agent who could make a big-time impact for Chicago. ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler name-dropped the Bears as a potential landing spot for former superstar running back Nick Chubb. He is not expected to return to the Cleveland Browns after they drafted two running backs. "I know he expects to play, wants to play. The running back market is tough. A lot of these guys are waiting," Fowler said. "I think they're going to wait probably until training camp at this point. It doesn't help them to sign in late May or early June. I do not expect Chubb back with the Browns barring some sort of surprise or some injury. There are some teams that could be in the market for one. The Commanders or the Bears come to mind just in general terms that could be looking for a back at some point or could use some help." Chubb was one of the most feared running backs in the league just a couple of short years ago. He came back from a devastating knee injury that he suffered in 2023, but did not perform well last season. Read more: Peyton Manning Doesn't Hold Back About Aaron Rodgers Amid Steelers Rumors In the eight games he played in 2024, he carried the football 102 times for 332 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers average out to 3.3 yards per carry. At the very worst, Chicago could move on from Chubb quickly if things don't work out. If he is able to bounce back strong two years removed from the injury, the Bears might just have a new star running back behind Caleb Williams. They may choose not to show interest in Chubb, but the move would make a lot of sense. For more Chicago Bears and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
New York Times
3 days ago
- General
- New York Times
Bears OTA takeaways: Why Ben Johnson worked with Caleb Williams on body language
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Ben Johnson doesn't want the Chicago Bears to be a 'palms-up team.' That's a message he's sent to quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the players this spring as he sets his standard. 'Body language is a huge thing,' Johnson said after Wednesday's OTA. 'Demeanor. We don't want to be a 'palms-up team' where we're questioning everything. No, no, no. To me, that's a little bit of a sign of weakness. We don't want to exhibit that from anybody on the team.' Advertisement Sports Illustrated reported that Johnson had shown Williams clips from last season when the quarterback could've responded better to getting hit. 'There's adversity that's gonna hit every team every season,' Johnson said. 'You don't know when it's gonna happen. We might lose a few games. We might have some turnovers.' Williams had two Wednesday — linebacker Tremaine Edmunds picked him off in team drills, and safety Jaquan Brisker had an interception in seven-on-seven. Practice is set up for players to bounce back quickly from those. They get right back in the huddle and go to the next play. It's tougher in games, and Johnson clearly observed ways Williams reacted to a very tumultuous rookie season and wants it to look better. 'Early in the process, we sat down and watched some tape from a year ago, and we talked it through,' Johnson said. 'It's like … is this what we want to look like or not? We come to an agreement, no it's not, OK, we learn from it, we move on to the next thing.' Williams used his media availability to move on from the excerpt from ESPN's Seth Wickersham's upcoming book on quarterbacks, reiterating the most important takeaway — he ultimately decided he wanted to come to the Bears. He knew the challenge, and he embraced it. Now he has a new coach to help him get the franchise on the right track. 'I think y'all have been able to see it when (Johnson) gets up here, you get a little taste of how he is. He's always laser-focused,' Williams said. 'He encourages and he pushes you and challenges you to be at your best, as a team, offense, defense, special teams. Doesn't matter position. 'Sharp. And he's a guy that wants to win. … And to be honest, he's consistent with it every day. … So far it's been awesome, and I think everybody's been enjoying it.' Last week, Kiran Amegadjie was the Bears' starter at left tackle during their open practice inside the Walter Payton Center. This week, it was second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo. Darnell Wright was at right tackle. Advertisement 'We're moving guys around,' Johnson said. 'We want to give everyone an opportunity, so, you know, Darnell, we feel pretty comfortable keeping him (on) the right side right now. So the left side until we get Braxton (Jones) back in the mix, it's going to be a little bit of musical chairs.' Jones, though, is weeks away from returning after his 2024 season ended with ankle surgery. It's also notable that Wright has remained on the right side. 'We're going to let the plan play out, which is keep him there for the time being and let these guys battle it out on the left side,' Johnson said. 'And we can decide to change course whenever we need to.' Linebacker T.J. Edwards and nickel corner Kyler Gordon weren't on the field Wednesday. Johnson said the two veterans are working through soft-tissue injuries. Rookie pass catchers Colston Loveland and Luther Burden, who are also working through injuries, were absent. Jones, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, guard/center Ryan Bates, cornerback Zah Frazier, safety Elijah Hicks, cornerback Terell Smith, running back Ian Wheeler and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga also were not spotted. Practice is voluntary, and Ben Johnson said he expects full attendance next week at the mandatory veteran minicamp. Defensive end Montez Sweat showed up to voluntary OTAs determined to bounce back from his down season last year. 'Coming off a disappointing year, I thought it was important to be here,' said Sweat, who had 5 1/2 sacks in 16 games last season for the Bears after making six in nine games after being acquired from the Washington Commanders during the 2023 season. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is also changing the Bears' scheme. So there's plenty for Sweat and others to learn. 'He's a very complex individual,' Sweat said. 'He has a lot of fronts and schemes and things that he can attack the offense with. He's a great guy, smart.' Advertisement The faces have changed in the Bears' defensive line room with the team signing defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett in free agency and drafting defensive tackle Shemar Turner. But Sweat remains their best defender. 'You definitely use (last season) as motivation, knowing that you didn't have as good of a year as you wanted to or could have,' Sweat said. 'So it's in the back of my mind, but I'm sincerely just moving forward, working on what's next.' Quarterback Case Keenum thought about retiring after last season. He spent 2024 on injured reserve, but when the Bears called, he came to town and sat down with Johnson for what was supposed to be a 15-minute conversation. 'It felt like a couple of hours later. I'm like, 'This is a special place,'' he said. 'Watched Caleb from last year and was like, 'Holy cow, this guy is really good and he's got a chance to be a lot better.' And it's been great.' Keenum is on his eighth NFL team, having entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2012 with the Texans. At 37, he's the oldest player on the team — nearly a decade older than offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. He has also played in 80 games and has a playoff win on his resume. Despite all that experience, he had never shared a sideline with Johnson. 'I haven't been with him in the past, but he came highly recommended from a number of people that I trust,' Johnson said. 'He's got skins on the wall. He's been to playoff games. He's won playoff games. He's done it on a high level. He's been the No. 2 quarterback at a number of different places as well. So his experience level is off the charts. He's seen a little bit of everything that this league has to offer.' Keenum is competing with Tyson Bagent to be Williams' backup, but the Bears will keep three quarterbacks on the roster. Johnson said they'll determine the No. 2 in training camp. Advertisement 'I've competed my whole life,' Keenum said. 'I show up every day and hope my locker is not cleaned out, man. That's how I treat every day.' Included in Keenum's decade-plus in the league working with a bunch of quarterbacks is the 2023 season when he backed up Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud in Houston. He's comfortable in this spot and knows how to work with Williams. 'He's just a sponge,' Keenum said. 'For being an all-world talent, a guy who, since high school, has been the best player on any field anywhere he has ever stepped on, to be humble enough to ask me questions and watch and learn, has been really refreshing to see. A guy that young and that talented but still takes to what I have to say, it's been really fun.' Before the Bears host the Miami Dolphins (Aug. 10) and Buffalo Bills (Aug. 17) in the preseason, the teams will share the practice fields at Halas Hall. Johnson said the plan is to have one joint practice with each team. 'It's a good opportunity to break up camp a little bit,' Johnson said. 'Controlled setting, yet high, high intensity. I think the competitive nature of just about everybody, once you get in between those white lines against an opponent like that, it goes up another notch. It'll be at that point of training camp where we've had, call it 12, 13, 14 practices in.'
