What kind of impact will Ben Johnson have on Caleb Williams?
A conduit of empowerment
According to The Athletic’s Dan Pompei, Ben Johnson will be a conduit of empowerment for Williams, but also emphasize balance and aggression on offense along the way.
“Some things that stand out from my time around him and the Lions: He’s low on ego but big on analytics,” Pompei said. “He thinks creatively and will emphasize the run game and protections. Johnson will have a vision for what he wants to do with Caleb.”
A focus on the run game and protections
Detroit finished the 2024 season tied for second in TD runs (29), while averaging the fourth-most rush yards per game (149.4) and fifth-most yards per carry (4.8). Running back Jahmyr Gibbs led the NFL in TD runs (16) and TDs from scrimmage (20) on the way to racking up 1,929 total yards and his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod.
In his three years of calling plays for the Lions, Detroit ranked second in the NFL in team TD runs (79), trailing only the Philadelphia Eagles (83). The Lions were also fifth in the NFL in team rush yards (6,978) over that time frame, trailing only the Atlanta Falcons (7,096), Bears (7,147), Eagles (7,747) and Baltimore Ravens (8,570).
Protecting the quarterback
On the offensive line under Johnson, Detroit has never ranked lower than eighth in team quarterback sack percentage by season’s end. The Lions finished eighth in 2024 (5.56%), fourth in 2023 (5.03%) and third in 2022 (3.92%).
Empowering Caleb Williams
“More on Ben Johnson: He is likely to empower Caleb offensively,” Pompei continued. “He gave [Jared] Goff authority with protection adjustments that not all QBs have, and eliminated plays that Goff didn’t love. Also, Bears will be going for it on fourth down — Johnson was pushing for that before he had authority and before it became popular.”
A cohesive offense
Detroit had the second-most passing yards (13,768) and TD passes (98) in the NFL over Johnson’s three-year tenure as offensive coordinator. Only the Minnesota Vikings had more passing yards (13,897) and the Cincinnati Bengals had more TD passes (105).
Conclusion
Ben Johnson’s appointment as the head coach of the Chicago Bears is likely to have a significant impact on Caleb Williams’ development. With his emphasis on empowerment, balance, and aggression, Williams is expected to flourish under Johnson’s guidance. The combination of a strong running game, effective pass protection, and a quarterback who is given the freedom to make adjustments will be a major plus for the Bears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Ben Johnson’s style of play?
A: Johnson’s style is characterized by a focus on the run game, protections, and balance. He also emphasizes empowerment and creativity, giving his quarterbacks the freedom to make adjustments and take the reins.
Q: How will Ben Johnson’s appointment impact Caleb Williams?
A: Johnson’s appointment is likely to be a major positive for Williams, who is expected to flourish under his guidance. With his emphasis on empowerment, balance, and aggression, Williams is expected to take a significant step forward in his development.
Q: What are the Bears’ expectations for the 2025 season?
A: With Ben Johnson at the helm, the Bears are expected to show significant improvement on offense. With a strong running game, effective pass protection, and a quarterback who is given the freedom to make adjustments, the team is expected to be competitive in the NFC North.
