National critics have been tough on Caleb Williams all offseason. Most of it centers around the disappointing 5-12 season he had for the Chicago Bears last year, punctuated by taking a franchise record 68 sacks. Some have already begun questioning if he is the real deal or not. This is undoubtedly fed by the fact that Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix, who were selected after him, made the playoffs. Never mind that both players had much better coaching staffs around them. Something nobody would dare say about Williams.
Despite all of that, the Bears' young quarterback has maintained that last year was last year. He is focused on this season, intent on showing everybody how much he's learned. He'll have way more help this time. Ben Johnson brings his immense offensive aptitude with him from Detroit. The offensive line was significantly bolstered in free agency and the draft. Still, Williams must be ready to improve his own game as well. He arrived at training camp early to send a message that he intends to do exactly that.
Rookies were scheduled to report on July 19th, with veterans following on the 22nd. Williams showed up with the rookies.
Caleb Williams seems to be taking Johnson's advice.
He is embracing the importance of the details. This doesn't just mean the Xs and Os, mind you. It is also about the little things with leadership: body language, communication, and showing up to work earlier than he has to. Quarterbacks hold a great responsibility in the NFL. They aren't just expected to throw accurate passes. Leadership is at the core of what makes the great ones. Men with the most power on the field should be expected to demand the most from themselves. That means hard work. Caleb Williams has said this is what he wants. He wants that pressure on his shoulders. Small as this camp gesture might be, it still sends the right message. The quarterback is all in.
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