Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is implementing a pro-style system designed to develop second-year quarterback Caleb Williams for sustained success rather than maximizing immediate statistics. The approach has contributed to the Bears ranking 10th in offensive EPA per play, up from 26th last season.
Johnson has dramatically reduced run-pass options to the low single digits while increasing play-action and pre-snap motion. He brought his Detroit system featuring wide-zone running and sequenced play-action to Chicago.
\"The No. 1 thing that Ben Johnson is doing with Caleb is teaching him how to play quarterback,\" a veteran play caller told The Athletic. \"What is the down and distance? If it\'s second-and-3, we don\'t need to throw the fade here.\"
Williams still leads the league in average time to throw at 3.08 seconds. However, his situational awareness has improved significantly from his rookie season.
Williams took 22 sacks on 78 plays when holding the ball 3.5 to 5 seconds last season. This year, he has taken just four sacks on 54 such plays, representing substantial progress in decision-making.
Johnson\'s Bears rushed for 281 yards against Philadelphia, the most against a Vic Fangio-coordinated defense in 248 games since 2005. Chicago ranks top five in rushing yards, explosive rushing rate, and rushing success rate.
\"Ben threw the ball in the first quarter, and then he said, \'Am I nuts throwing in the wind with Caleb Williams when I can just run the ball with two backs?\'\" a coach from another team said. \"He adjusted, and that was the impressive part.\"
The Bears\' rushing success rate would be their best since at least 2000. They ranked outside the top 20 in all major rushing categories last season.
Chicago holds a 9-3 record but shows underlying concerns. Their plus-6 point differential ranks third-worst among 376 teams with nine wins through 12 games in NFL history. The defense has fallen from 12th to 23rd in EPA per play under new coordinator Dennis Allen.