Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Questions Arise Over Caleb Williams Ability To Lead the Bears Following ‘Disastrous Day’ at Training Camp

The Bears hopes rest on Caleb Williams and his ability to drastically overcome his troubles

Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears have spent the better part of the past couple of off-seasons putting together a talented roster. While the Bears’ defense was particularly good, the offense was atrocious.

However, the 2024 NFL draft saw the Bears select one of the most hyped quarterbacks out of college football in Caleb Williams. The Bears then proceeded to hand him a bunch of weapons with receivers such as D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze. They added running back D’Andre Swift to improve the backfield.

But even after all that, the Bears faltered miserably last season, and the result was a poor offensive line, incapable of protecting their rookie quarterback. Well, Chicago has addressed that in this year’s offseason, so it’s nothing but sunshine. Or so one would think.

Caleb Williams connects with DJ Moore but watch Antwaan Randle El's reaction pic.twitter.com/eNOSkH2ym4
— Dave (@dave_bfr) July 24, 2025

Caleb Williams’ 2024 Struggles Evident Again at Training Camp

News from multiple reports indicates that Caleb Williams’ start to training camp is not going according to plan. There is also information coming through that head coach Ben Johnson is not happy with the way things are going and even pulled the first team off the field.

Speaking on his podcast following the recent update from the Bears’ training camp, Colin Cowherd shared his opinion and where the problem areas lie for the young signal caller.

“The Bears’ offense and Caleb Williams were a disaster. At one point, Ben Johnson barking at him. He pulled the first team off the field. It was a disaster for Caleb Williams, and some of his OTA issues resurfaced. Not getting the play right, looking disorganized, not getting the footwork right.”

While there is no question about the talent level that Williams possesses, Cowherd went on to highlight the fact that two things can always be true simultaneously. In spite of his talent, there are other aspects of his game that are proving difficult to correct.

“Caleb Williams is super talented. But you’re now starting to see last year’s OTA’s and camp, some of the same problems, not as correctable as many of us think. Can’t get the play right. We’re going to know by early early October if this guy can play. The coach is fine. The offensive line’s been upgraded. The weapons are good enough.”

"We’re gonna know by early early October if this guy can play."@colincowherd reacts to reports of Caleb Williams struggling at Chicago Bears training camp pic.twitter.com/x4YkAksGqo
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) July 24, 2025

Can Ben Johnson Turn Things Around for Caleb Williams?

While the recent information from the Bears’ training camp will probably put most fans at unease, it’s important to remember that there is still time.

Training camp has just started. Chicago has a new head coach, and therefore a new system in place. There are new faces on the roster who will take time to build chemistry with their new teammates.

Confirmed: Ben has aura pic.twitter.com/xfVtVbvG5H
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) July 24, 2025

Johnson was hired in the Windy City to elevate the offense, same as what he did in Detroit. He took a struggling offensive unit in Detroit and turned the Lions into a juggernaut with Jared Goff under center.

Sure, Goff has plenty of experience over Williams, but is there much of a difference talent-wise? Heading into year 2, Williams should start picking up on things he missed out on last year, and Johnson, being an offensive mind, should be able to get him to his target. As Cowherd said, we would get a better idea of his level of improvement by early October.

Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Ben Johnson

Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears

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Devavrat Kulkarni

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I am a content writer for the NFL team, and joined The Playoffs after working with Sportskeeda and NFL Analysis as an NFL writer. After starting my professional career as a French-to-English translator, working as a content writer is a new adventure for me. I started out in the sports media field for two main reasons: my love for sports in general, especially the NFL, NBA, and Tennis, as well as my passion for writing. The best part of this job is that I get to write a variety of pieces with the freedom to explore content from various angles. It also enables me to stay up to date with the sporting world, which otherwise can be difficult to do in the day-to-day grind. In a world full of chaos, sports unite and entertain like nothing else!