Caleb Williams, the promising young quarterback of the Chicago Bears, is preparing for his second NFL season with a lot of eyes on him. After a rookie year that showcased his undeniable talent but also highlighted areas for growth, the team is focused on helping him take the next step.
Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel, who spent 13 years in the league with teams like the Saints and Chiefs, recently pointed out one area Williams needs to clean up to truly elevate his game.
Caleb Williams Needs to Speed Up Decision-Making
On “The Facility,” Daniel didn’t mince words when discussing Williams’ development. “He has to learn how to get rid of the ball and not take so many sacks, Daniel said. The critique is well-founded, as Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times during his rookie season, a number that highlights the need for quicker decision-making and better pocket awareness.
New Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who previously transformed Jared Goff into a Pro Bowl-caliber player in Detroit, has made this area a top priority during the offseason. The coaching staff is focused on helping Williams process defenses faster and make split-second decisions that will open up the offense.
.@ChaseDaniel on what Caleb Williams needs to improve one entering Year 2 in the NFL:
“He has to learn how to get rid of the ball and not take so many sacks.” pic.twitter.com/4omu6LIDjL
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) April 2, 2025
Adapting to a New Offensive Scheme
Williams is also transitioning into a brand-new offensive system under Johnson. This scheme incorporates play-action and under-center formations, which are areas Williams hasn’t had much experience with, as his college and rookie systems heavily relied on shotgun formations.
Johnson’s success with quarterbacks bodes well for Williams’ ability to adapt, and the Bears have bolstered the offensive line with key veterans like Joe Thuney to provide stability needed for his adjustment. The revamped scheme is designed to enhance Williams’ strengths as a dual-threat quarterback while addressing some of the inefficiencies from his rookie campaign.
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Another major area of focus this offseason is building stronger connections with his wide receivers. The Bears boast a talented receiving corps led by D.J. Moore, the former Panthers standout, and second-year wideout Rome Odunze.
For Williams, it’s about improving timing, trust, and route execution to create a more efficient passing attack. The offseason has been an opportunity for the young quarterback to deepen his chemistry with his receivers, and the team is optimistic that these relationships will translate into more consistent production on the field.
With a new offense, improved protection, and targeted development, Caleb Williams has all the tools to make a significant leap in his second season. The Bears believe that with the right guidance and focus, he’s poised to take the next step toward becoming the franchise quarterback they’ve envisioned.