Latest news with #ChicagoBearsTrainingCamp
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Bears HC Ben Johnson Reveals Surprising Caleb Williams Decision
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 have a new head coach in Ben Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator. Johnson installed a new staff and is ready to help guide the new era of Bears football. More news: Fans React to Marshawn Lynch Being Seahawks Credentialed Photographer One thing that has been at the top of the list for Johnson is getting the offense in shape, especially for upcoming second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. With early reports from training camp stating that Williams and the offense weren't clicking, it appears that might not be the case any longer. Johnson joined "Hoge & Jahns" to reveal that Williams will be shut down for the preseason opener, which is a bit surprising. When Johnson was asked about the plans for the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, he stated that around "nine players" on the offense and defense will play, meaning starters, but the rest of the starters will not appear. When asked if "No. 18 was part of the players that won't play," Johnson stated that "No. 18 is part of that group." Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill during Chicago Bears Training Camp at Halas Hall on July 24, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill during Chicago Bears Training Camp at Halas Hall on July 24, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. Photo byMore news: Colts Get Massive Injury Update on Anthony Richardson It is not at all shocking that Williams will not see any action in the preseason opener. For one, the Dolphins have a very tough pass rush that could lead to a costly mistake if Williams is on the field. Secondly, it is not that common for starters to take the field in the first game of preseason football. While a lot of teams did use their starters on Thursday, that might not always be the smartest decision. Take the Indianapolis Colts, for instance. Anthony Richardson suffered a dislocated finger on a big hit and was taken out. Injuries are not very rampant in preseason action, but they are also not uncommon. Williams might need some reps with the team, but that will likely come in the third preseason game, which is generally known as the regular season "dress rehearsal." Protecting Williams is certainly paramount to the Bears' success, and while reports have indicated a sloppy style of play for the current offense, they have time to clean things up a bit. For now, Williams will have to sit out and watch his teammates take the field when the Bears host the Dolphins on Sunday for the first preseason game. More NFL: Full NFL Preseason Week 1 Games Schedule for all Teams For more on the Bears and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Bears GM Sends Clear Message to Fans Amid Caleb Williams Panic
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. Early on in NFL training camp, things haven't been easy for Chicago Bears second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. He has struggled quite often as he looks to lead the franchise back playoff contention. Due to the early struggles, there has been a lot of concern within the Bears' fan base. For years, Chicago has been searching for a legitimate long-term franchise quarterback. Justin Fields was supposed to be that guy most recently, but that experiment didn't work out. The Bears replace Fields with Williams. Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill during Chicago Bears Training Camp at Halas Hall on July 24, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill during Chicago Bears Training Camp at Halas Hall on July 24, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. Photo byWilliams is the player that Chicago has chosen to go all-in on. Ryan Poles drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and has been very aggressive building the offense around him. Read more: Packers QB Jordan Love Sounds Off on Rookie Teammate This offseason, the Bears also made the big move to replace former head coach Matt Eberflus with former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. That move alone was a big investment in Williams. Johnson is an elite offensive mind. The hope is that he will be able to build with Williams for many years to come. Amid fan concern about Williams' sluggish start to training camp, Poles spoke out with a clear message during an appearance on ESPN radio. "I see a ton of growth," Poles said. "Ben has been hard on the quarterback position. There's a lot that rides on the quarterback's shoulders. So what he's (Johnson) doing is he's making it hard now, so when we get to games things slow down for us. He understands the growth and development process of the quarterback position. There's going to be days that are really good and there's going to be days where maybe you take a step back." There is never a good reason to panic this early in camp. Williams is being prepared for his second NFL season. The coaching staff isn't going to go easy on him. Read more: Steelers Receiver Gets Wake Up Call From Aaron Rodgers Chicago is still very clearly confident in its young quarterback. Every young signal caller goes through tough stretches. Williams is no different. Last season as a rookie, Williams played in 17 games. He completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while also rushing for 489 yards. While there is obviously still work to be done, Williams has the talent to be a star. He is going to go through rough moments, but those are expected. The Bears still have a franchise quarterback in the making on their hands. For more on the Chicago Bears and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
