Following what went down as a turbulent rookie season for Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears fans had plenty to be encouraged by after the second-year quarterback led the team to an 11–6 regular-season record, a historic Wild Card comeback, and reached the Divisional Round in Ben Johnson’s first year as head coach. And as that run unfolded, Johnson made his stance clear on Williams’ performance and what he believes lies ahead for his future.

“The things we highlighted for Caleb to start the season I do think they improved as the season went on,” Johnson said. “We revamped the footwork a little bit last spring. I think the comfort level grew from that. He certainly got more comfortable with the concepts we were running over the course of the season. That’s something we can build upon. And yet there’s still a lot more that we can push through in that regard. I’m really encouraged about the steps he took this year.”

When Johnson took the Bears job after his successful run with the Detroit Lions, he cited several reasons for the move. Think of living and working in Chicago, staying in the NFC North, and inheriting a talented roster. But one factor that stood above the rest was Williams. The quarterback was coming off a difficult rookie year, starting all 17 games and finishing 5–12.

One of the biggest issues was his pocket movement and getting the ball out on time, which led to Williams taking a franchise-record 68 sacks. That’s where Johnson’s influence showed up immediately. One of his priorities was revamping the QB’s footwork, with the clear goal of speeding up timing and cutting down sacks.

The results were obvious. Williams was sacked just 24 times this season. While it’s not a great number, it’s still a massive drop. He threw for 3,942 yards with a 58.1% completion rate, averaged 6.9 yards per attempt, and accounted for 27 passing touchdowns. He also added value with his legs, rushing for 388 yards and three touchdowns, carrying that efficiency into the postseason.

In the Wild Card round against the Green Bay Packers, the Bears trailed 21–3 at halftime. Williams flipped the script, leading a stunning 31–27 comeback to send Chicago to the Divisional Round for the first time since 2010. He finished 24-of-48 for 361 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Then came the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams, and arguably the defining throw of Williams’ young career.

Trailing 17–10 late, Williams drove the Bears into the red zone with under a minute left. On fourth down, he drifted back from the 14-yard line to nearly the 40 before uncorking a perfect touchdown strike to Cole Kmet in the back of the end zone, tying the game and keeping Chicago’s season alive. The Bears eventually fell short, but the moment stuck. And now, Johnson’s belief is unmistakable, as the head coach is now the No. 1 believer in his quarterback.

“I’m Caleb Williams’ No. 1 believer,” Johnson added. “I have a lot of faith in him and what he’s capable of doing and the player that he’s still striving to become.

In short, Johnson sees real growth. The foundation is there. And in his view, the best version of his quarterback is still ahead after Williams and Chicago lost the Divisional Round.

The Rams end Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson’s playoff run

The Bears hosted the Rams, believing the cold conditions might overwhelm Matthew Stafford and his group. That didn’t happen. Even with plenty of offensive struggles, the Rams found a way to survive. Offensively, it wasn’t pretty for Los Angeles. The Rams managed just 174 total yards through three quarters, and Stafford finished the game 20-of-42 for 258 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions.

The production was limited, but it was enough to stay afloat. When it mattered most, the Rams’ defense stepped up. Caleb Williams went 23-of-42 for 257 yards and two touchdowns, but the turnovers proved costly. Cornerback Cobie Durant picked off Williams twice, and safety Kam Curl sealed it with an interception in overtime, giving Los Angeles the ball back at its own 22-yard line.

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Despite the uneven performance, it was enough for L.A. to keep moving. The Rams won the game on a 42-yard field goal on the possession immediately following Williams’ overtime interception, punching their ticket to the NFC Championship. Now, Stafford and the Rams turn their attention to a matchup with the Seattle Seahawks this weekend. As for Williams and the Bears, the season showed real promise. It didn’t end the way they hoped, but after the playoff loss, the focus shifts to what comes next.