The Chicago Bears find themselves in a tough spot, sitting at 0-2 after a disheartening 52-21 loss to the Detroit Lions. But the real story goes beyond just Caleb Williams’ shaky start. It’s about head coach Ben Johnson openly praising a rival quarterback’s command right after he pulled his own rookie quarterback off the field.

When asked about developing Williams’ poise at the line of scrimmage, Johnson explained that he wants his young quarterback to learn from others while also carving out his own style. “There are certainly examples across the league that we look at and we take note of,” he said. He pointed to Matthew Stafford as a model for footwork and again praised Dallas Cowboys star Dak Prescott. “I’ve been really impressed with Dak the more I’ve seen of him this week,” Johnson said. But he stressed balance, adding, “We find our own way. We find what works for us. We’re not trying to mimic somebody necessarily, but we are trying to pick things up from them as well.”

These comments came just days after Johnson benched Williams with eight minutes left in the loss to the Lions, bringing in backup Tyson Bagent. Williams admitted that the decision stung. “It sucks that your guys are out on the field, and you’re not,” Williams said. “And that’s frustrating because you put in so much time, energy, and effort, and those guys are out there still battling, and you’re on the sideline,” he said. “But it was the coach’s call, and you have to move on.” He emphasized that his focus is on helping his teammates regain their momentum, whether he’s on the field or not. 

However, concerns about his future are growing. Williams has racked up 417 yards with three touchdowns and one interception over two games, but his sack rate and decision-making have raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, Bagent is proving he’s more than just a backup. After going 2-2 as a rookie starter last season, he secured a two-year, $10 million extension in August, showing Chicago’s confidence in his development. Analysts like Dan Wiederer from The Athletic have even suggested that the Bears shouldn’t hesitate to consider a “temporary switch of lanes” if Williams continues to struggle.

For Johnson, the message is clear. Williams can admire Prescott’s finesse, but he doesn’t have all the time in the world to prove himself in Chicago. The Bears are eager to avoid another wasted season, and the pressure is already building after just two games.

Ben Johnson demands toughness as Bears stumble into Week 3

The Chicago Bears kicked off 2025 with a lot of optimism, but just two weeks in, that optimism is quickly fading.

Head coach Ben Johnson didn’t hold back this week. He criticized his team’s practice habits, stating they don’t meet a “championship-caliber” standard. After allowing 73 points in just five quarters, his frustration is clear. He pointed out that the fundamentals are slipping. Blocking, ball security, and finishing plays—these are “little things” crucial for winning games. They’re just not happening.

The 52-21 loss in Detroit really drove his point home. It marked the worst defensive breakdown since 2014. On top of that, they let an 11-point lead slip away in the fourth quarter against Minnesota in Week 1. Now sitting at 0-2, Johnson is still on the hunt for his first win as a head coach.

Caleb Williams is facing the toughest challenge of his young career. Already under pressure behind a shaky offensive line, he’ll have to play without rookie tackle Kiran Amegadjie. Last season, Williams was sacked a staggering 68 times, and the protection issues haven’t gotten any better.

The injury list keeps growing. Cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Jaylon Jones are all out, and linebacker T.J. Edwards is joining them on the sidelines. Running back D’Andre Swift and linebacker D’Marco Jackson are questionable. This leaves a battered defense gearing up to face Dak Prescott and the red-hot CeeDee Lamb, who’s on the verge of breaking Michael Irvin’s franchise record for consecutive 100-yard games.

Dallas has its own set of questions after trading Micah Parsons, but Jadeveon Clowney might make his debut on Sunday to help bolster their pass rush.

History doesn’t offer much comfort. The Bears have managed to score on their opening drives in both games, a first since 2022, and they do have a slight edge over Dallas at Soldier Field. Still, for Johnson and Williams, Sunday feels like a pivotal moment.