Former NFL executive Louis Reddick has high expectations for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams as he enters his second NFL season. Riddick believes that Williams is poised for a significant breakout, potentially narrowing the gap with Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Riddick anticipates this because of the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson, formerly the wunderkind offensive coordinator who made the Detroit Lions offense rocket to the top of the NFL.
Why Will Caleb Williams Narrow the Gap With Jayden Daniels?
Riddick appeared on ESPN’s NFL Live to share his thoughts on how the Bears will be able to unlock Williams’ full potential.
“I think with Ben Johnson, now, with the kind of weaponry he has at his disposal (to) allow Caleb Williams to use, really comes now down to play design and then play sequence and I think that’s really where you’re gonna see Caleb Williams benefit,” Riddick said.
The 56-year-old went on to criticize the play calls Williams worked with and how Johnson could be a welcome change.
“Because there were many times last year where under Shane Waldron … these wide receivers don’t have very good spacing,” Riddick said. “I don’t understand why that play call on second down followed the play call they had on first down. That’s Ben Johnson’s specialty … And who is better at calling plays depending on how defenses are trying to play his offense than Ben Johnson?”
“Look, a year or two right now, the sky’s the limit for this young man,” Riddick added. “And I think personally, the conversation (sic) is quickly gonna turn to, him and Jayden Daniels, now I think it’s gonna be a conversation where they’re gonna be talked about together in unison again because Caleb has so much more at his disposal now.”
.@LRiddickESPN believes "a credible running threat" like Nick Chubb would have ample space in the Bears' offense đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/n4cnPAS4NO
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Johnson’s offense in Detroit led the league in scoring in 2024 and he was instrumental in overhauling Jared Goff’s performance after being traded from the Rams to the Lions in exchange for Matt Stafford and draft picks.
The Bears also made significant moves in the 2025 NFL Draft picking Michigan tight end Colston Loveland 10th overall and wide receiver Luther Burden III out of Missouri. Loveland is expected to be a big-body target for Williams that can be a safety blanket underneath. Burden’s speed is hoped to stretch defenses and give Williams a downfield threat .
On top of that, the Bears signed Pro Bowl guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney to give Williams better protection inside and better run blocking on the inside. The 23-year-old is entering his second season and is expected to make significant strides and Johnson was hired specifically to unlock his sky-high potential. All that remains now is the execution.
