Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t hand out compliments casually. Known around the league as a straight shooter who “calls it how he sees it,” Tomlin offered a notable bit of praise for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams following Sunday’s matchup. And for Williams—now in his second NFL season—that respect carries serious weight.
Tomlin specifically highlighted how Williams continuously attacked Pittsburgh over the middle of the field, an area the Steelers typically defend well. He noted that the young quarterback was “highly accurate,” a trait that stood out even against the variety of pressures and disguised coverages Pittsburgh threw his way. When a defensive mind like Tomlin acknowledges a quarterback carving up his scheme, it means the performance wasn’t a fluke.
Under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears offense has taken a significant step forward, and Sunday was another example. Chicago leaned into Williams strengths—anticipation, arm talent, and poise—to stress the second level of the Steelers defense. Tight ends, crossers, and quick-hitting intermediate patterns consistently found space, and Williams rewarded the game plan with sharp decision-making. He wasn't perfect, still plenty of things to clean up. Accuracy still being a concern despite Tomlin's praise on Sunday.
But this wasn’t a rookie flashing potential. This was a Year 2 quarterback evolving, reading defenses faster, and trusting his timing. Tomlin’s comments reflect that growth and serve as one of the strongest public acknowledgments yet of how much Williams has matured in year two under Ben Johnson.
For Chicago, it’s another sign that the Ben Johnson–Caleb Williams pairing is becoming a legitimate offensive problem for opponents—one that even Mike Tomlin couldn’t help but admire.
