Ben Johnson Might Be Losing Patience with Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears had a golden opportunity to move to 5-2 on Sunday against a Lamar Jackson–less Baltimore Ravens team. Instead, they delivered one of their worst performances of the season. The offense looked flat, uninspired, and out of sync most of the game.

Losing a game like this perfectly sums up what it’s like being a Bears fan — constant hope met with brutal disappointment. The biggest question of the season still hasn’t been answered: Is Caleb Williams the franchise quarterback Chicago’s been waiting for?

There are signs that Ben Johnson’s patience is wearing thin. His body language on the sideline said it all — visible frustration after missed throws, stalled drives, and wasted opportunities. Johnson isn’t blameless, though. His play-calling was questionable at times on Sunday, and he completely abandoned the run game through the first half and much of the third quarter.

Still, Caleb Williams has to be better. It’s time to have an honest conversation about his play — and what this means for the Bears’ future. Is he a bust? No. But he’s also not playing like a No. 1 overall pick should.

After the game, both Johnson and Williams were asked about the fourth-quarter interception.

Johnson said:

“Yeah, I didn’t quite see. I’d have to check it out on film just one more time. In my mind, there might have been another option we could’ve gotten to.”

Those are the kinds of moments that likely drive Johnson crazy. If anyone can help Caleb figure this out, it’s him. But even during their recent four-game winning streak, questions about Williams’ consistency were bubbling beneath the surface.

This loss alone doesn’t define anything, but former NFL scout John Middlekauff summed it up perfectly:

“Ben Johnson became a star with a QB who had great timing and touch. Caleb currently has neither. Just don’t see this ever working.”

Williams is talented — there’s no denying that — but his pairing with Johnson hasn’t clicked yet. Sure, it’s only been seven games, but the NFL moves fast… and moves on even faster. Time will tell.