Former Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson believes new head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams are prepared to handle the pressures of transforming the franchise, urging fans to trust the process as the team begins a new era.
Robinson, an 11-year NFL veteran and former Pro Bowler who played under Johnson with the Detroit Lions last season, shared his perspective on the “Talkin’ Ball with Pat Leonard” podcast. He emphasized that both Johnson and Williams are unfazed by the heightened expectations in Chicago.
Former Lions WR Allen Robinson Says Chicago Has No Reason to Fear, Relax
“Everybody in Chicago should sit back, relax, and allow this team to ascend,” Robinson said. “Ben Johnson is built for this. It speaks to how excited Caleb Williams was when they got Ben. Things have significantly changed.”
The Bears made sweeping changes this offseason, hiring Johnson as head coach and drafting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. The organization also bolstered its roster with key additions on the offensive line and at skill positions, aiming to provide Williams with the support needed to succeed.
Former #Bears WR @AllenRobinson, an 11-yr vet & Pro Bowler, played for Ben Johnson with the Detroit #Lions last season. On Talkin’ Ball with Pat Leonard @BleavNetwork, Robinson says Johnson & Caleb Williams won’t flinch despite the noise.
“Everybody in Chicago should sit back,… pic.twitter.com/XfMiA9qonw
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN)
Robinson’s endorsement comes as optimism builds around Halas Hall. He pointed to Williams’ enthusiasm for Johnson’s arrival as a sign of the team’s upward trajectory, noting that the quarterback’s confidence is well-placed given Johnson’s reputation as an innovative offensive mind.
With a revamped coaching staff and roster, the Bears are looking to turn the page after several seasons of struggle. Robinson’s message to fans is clear: patience and trust in the new regime could pay dividends as Chicago seeks to return to contention.
The former Chicago WR explained that on every play, there’s an initial schematic winner based on which play each team calls, and sometimes, the defense has the upper hand. In those situations, it’s up to the playcaller to provide answers for the quarterback, helping him understand what to read on the field depending on the scenario. That’s the difference between calling plays and calling games.
The Bears’ offense in 2025 was one of the worst in the NFL, ranking 30th in the PFSN Offense+ Metric, largely due to the coaching staff, then led by Matt Eberflus and, on the offensive side, Shane Waldron. Waldron was fired after Week 9, and Eberflus was let go shortly after.
The hope now is that Johnson brings a more modern NFL mindset and works closely with Williams to shape him into a true NFL quarterback — one who blends athletic ability with field awareness and processing.