UPDATE: The Chicago Bears are using their Week 5 bye to recalibrate and focus on quarterback Caleb Williams as he continues to develop his game after a rocky start to the 2025 season. Head coach Ben Johnson emphasized the importance of this week for adjustments, stating, “Just because it’s a bye week doesn’t mean it’s an off week.”
After the Bears’ first four games, it’s clear that cultivating a strong connection between Williams and Johnson is pivotal for the team’s success. The team hopes to refine their strategy as they head into the more challenging part of their schedule.
Johnson pointed out that this bye week is crucial for the coaching staff to assess their performance so far. “We’ll have a good feel after four games of who we are, what we do well, and what we can sink our teeth into,” Johnson said. The Bears aim to pivot strategically, focusing on both personnel and schematics.
In the first quarter of the season, Williams has shown improvement in key areas that could define his trajectory with the Bears. The coaching staff has pinpointed three significant areas for Williams to enhance his skills: alignment with the play-calling, footwork adjustments, and building connections with his wide receivers.
1. Aligning with the Play-Calling
Establishing a cohesive vision between the quarterback and the play caller is crucial, according to Johnson. “The quarterback needs to be able to see the game through the play-caller’s eyes,” he noted. Williams has engaged in extensive one-on-one sessions with Johnson to foster this understanding, which has already shown positive signs.
Williams expressed his commitment to leading the team, saying he wants to set an example during practices. Following an 0-2 start, the Bears achieved a 31-14 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3, showcasing the improvements in team dynamics.
2. Footwork Adjustments
Another area of focus is Williams’ footwork. Johnson introduced a shift by having Williams position his left foot forward in the shotgun formation, a minor tweak that aims to enhance his throwing rhythm. This adjustment aligns with the philosophy of keeping a quarterback in a natural throwing stance, which can lead to quicker decisions and improved accuracy.
Williams acknowledged that his footwork contributed to early struggles, especially in Week 1. He aims to better utilize the quick-passing game, emphasizing timing and precision. “Footwork is everything,” he stated, highlighting its importance in his overall performance.
3. Strengthening Receiver Connections
The relationship between Williams and his wide receivers, particularly Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, is also a focal point. Odunze has emerged as a key target, leading the Bears with 20 receptions for 296 yards and five touchdowns. His ability to adjust routes has resulted in significant scoring opportunities, such as a striking 35-yard touchdown against the Cowboys.
In contrast, Moore’s role has been quieter, with only 16 catches for 173 yards this season. Moore’s declining target rate is something to watch as the season progresses, but he remains optimistic about Williams’ growth, stating, “It’s been steady growth and he’s been on top of us to just be better.”
Next Up for the Bears
As the Bears prepare for their next matchup, the bye week offers a crucial time for Williams to solidify his skills and enhance team cohesion. Fans are eager to see how adjustments made during this period will translate into improved performance on the field.
With a renewed focus and strategic upgrades, the Chicago Bears are poised to tackle upcoming challenges head-on. The urgency of their situation cannot be overstated; every game counts as they strive to build momentum moving deeper into the season.
