Ben Johnson Has An Actual Statistical Goal For Caleb Williams

Most head coaches don't get into the numbers regarding their players. That isn't a surprise. They are more focused on getting the absolute best from everybody. That means grinding them on the details of every play and always understanding their assignments. Coaches can't get into actual specific stats. Don't count Ben Johnson among those guys. He's already proving that he sees the game differently. He isn't afraid to speak his mind, demonstrating a self-confidence that, while maybe not rare for head coaches in the NFL, certainly comes across as earned.

If you're looking for an example of this, Johnson's interview on The Herd with Colin Cowherd is perfect. He was asked about the recent report from ESPN detailing Caleb Williams' attempts to avoid getting drafted by the Bears. It was well-known what the team's reputation is for bungling quarterbacks. He was fearful, justifiably, that he would meet the same fate. Johnson didn't see it that way. What many saw as a fear of the same old story, he saw as a chance to make history.

It starts with chasing a single-season stat no Bears quarterback has ever reached.

“You talk about fears. I don’t see it quite the same way. I see this as what a great opportunity that we have to do something that’s never been done. There’s never been a 4,000-yard passer in this franchise and I think Caleb’s going to be the first one. One of many years where he’s going to accomplish that feat. I see a chance for greatness here for him. He’s been communicative that way. He feels the same way. I don’t know about what’s gone on before I joined the organization, but he’s very proud to be a Chicago Bear.

That’s what our conversations have included. He’s really excited to get to work right now and be the best version of himself for 2025. There’s no question we’ll face adversity. We want to see growth over the course of the season. It’s not going to be linear growth. It’s going to be a little bit of ups and downs along the way, but we want to see from Game 1 to 17 that we’re getting better as a whole. That’s not just him, that’s us as a team as well. I’m excited. That’s what makes coaching fun. When the hiccups occur, when the adversity strikes, how do we respond to it? That’s when you find out who you are as a man.”

Ben Johnson has good reasons to think this will happen.

For one, Williams managed to throw for 3,541 yards last season despite a laughable offensive scheme and a poor offensive line. Johnson's arrival fixes the first problem, and three major veteran acquisitions (Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman) should correct the second. Next, there are the significant additions at tight end and wide receiver with Colston Loveland and Luther Burden in the draft. This arsenal of weapons is arguably the deepest any Bears quarterback has ever had.

Last but not least, Ben Johnson has never not had a 4,000-yard passer. He coached Jared Goff for three seasons in Detroit. The veteran had at least 4400 yards each of those seasons. Unless Williams gets hurt this year, one can understand Johnson's confidence that the mark will be reached. Previous Bears quarterbacks came close. Erik Kramer had 3,838 in 1995. Jay Cutler had 3,812 in 2014. Neither had the setup Williams now does.