Ben Johnson wants 70% completions from Caleb Williams this season

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 23 hours ago

CHICAGO - With the Chicago Bears a few days into training camp, head coach Ben Johnson is already seeing improvements from quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the offense as they continue to find their identity and build on OTAs.

“One of the big points of emphasis we had in the springtime, and it’s going to carry over into camp, was our pre-snap procedure, and that’s calling the plays, that’s the motions, that’s the shifts, that’s the cadence. We’re going to continue to carry that. We use that as a weapon and that’s not going to change. That’s certainly an advantage for us on offense,” Johnson said. “Beyond that though, there were some footwork things that we wanted to clean up. Trusting the timing of your feet, being able to anticipate throws. It’s a lot of stuff that goes into that position and rather than throwing the whole gauntlet at him, we’re just building it from the ground up. (Williams) took some homework with him over the course of the summer and he’s come back, even though we haven’t done anything full speed over the last few days, we’ve noticed some improvements along the way. So, really excited to see where this thing goes over the next few weeks.”

Williams’ rookie season was a disaster between offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus. However, he still managed to put up solid numbers. His 3,541 passing yards were the fifth-most in a single season in Bears history. He also finished the season with a completion percentage of 62.5 percent, which was No. 7 in single-season franchise history among quarterbacks who started at least 10 games that year, although it was below the league average.

Going into this season, Johnson has higher expectations for Williams and has set a goal for him to complete 70 percent of his passes this season. While he admits it is a lofty goal, Johnson believes Williams can achieve it. Jared Goff completed 72.9 percent of his passes last season with Johnson as offensive coordinator. However, Williams never completed greater than 69 percent of his passes in college.

“I think we’re in a great place and he wants to get coached hard and we’re going to push him as hard as we can and do what’s right for the team,” Johnson said. “I told him I would love for him, on the season, to complete 70 percent of his balls. So, you would like to think over the course of practice that we’re completing 70 percent or more. That’s hard to just magically arise in a game. So, it’s a lofty goal, but it’s one that we’re going to strive for. And so, because of that, we’re going to use that as our benchmark and work from there.”

One difference this season is that Williams will have some new receivers to throw to. However, both of them are currently injured. Second round selection, wide receiver Luther Burden III who is officially signed to his fully guaranteed contract, is still unable to practice due to his soft tissue injury, although Johnson is hopeful he will only be out a few more days. Until he is able to practice, wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El is making sure Burden III is mentally prepared.

“Coach Randle El has been all over him in meetings, keeping him involved. He’s quizzed non-stop. Our quarterbacks are taking him to the side whether it’s walkthroughs on their own,” Johnson said. “So, he’s utilizing that time as much as he can. But, there’s really no substitute for full-speed reps and so, the sooner we get him out there, the quicker he can carve a role for himself.”

First-round selection, tight end Colston Loveland, also remains sidelined. However, Johnson emphasized that Loveland has been working hard to get back on the field and practice. It remains unclear whether he will be ready for training camp or any of Chicago’s preseason games. The Bears play their first preseason game on Sun. Aug. 10 (Noon / FOX) against the Miami Dolphins.

“From the moment (Loveland)’s gotten into the building, I’m just blown away by how he approaches everything,” Johnson said. “I don’t think there’s a guy I saw in the building more this summer than him and it’s really a credit for who he wants to be as he continues. He’s attacking the rehab hard. He wants to be a factor here this fall.”