Chicago Bears Treat Caleb Williams Like Rookie Amid Struggles, Coaching Shift

Caleb Williams, entering his second NFL season with the Chicago Bears as their No. 1 draft pick, is currently facing significant challenges and comparisons to former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel due to struggles with accuracy and pocket passing metrics. Bears coach Ben Johnson is essentially treating Williams like a rookie, focusing on rebuilding his fundamentals and mechanics, as his confidence and performance in training camp have raised concerns. Videos from training camp show Williams missing passes and displaying signs of being on edge in the pocket, prompting analysts to worry about his long-term trajectory. Despite this, Williams is not expected to be sidelined for the season but will sit out the preseason opener as the Bears manage their starters cautiously. With a new coaching staff aiming to refine his foundational skills, Williams’s upcoming season is seen as pivotal for his development and the Bears’ offensive future. The franchise and analysts recognize his potential but emphasize the need for marked improvement under Johnson’s guidance.