LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- The rookie season for Bears quarterback Caleb Williams proved in part to be wasted.
The Bears endured a miserable season in which they lost 10 straight games, fired head coach Matt Eberflus in November and left their prized young quarterback Williams with a revolving door around him.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles recognized the importance of Williams’ development in searching for his next head coach. It’s why Ben Johnson was coveted to that role and hired in January.
Johnson and Williams were paired together with hopes of a breakthrough this season. The work is now all but completed following the offseason program, training camp and preseason. The Bears are turning their focus to the Sept. 8 season opener against the Vikings at Soldier Field.
For his part, Poles is pleased with what Williams accomplished working alongside Johnson.
“There were some up and down moments,” Poles said Tuesday. “Which was expected when a new system is coming in and it’s not easy, there’s no wristbands. There’s some foundational work that he had to work through as well. So, there were some growing pains that happened. But I know when I put the whole timeline together – starting from when he walked on campus from last year to (the present), there’s been a ton of growth there. And I know as we get into the game weeks and dial in, that speed of play and being efficient should increase as we go.
“They loaded him up and there were really hard on him, which is going to be great for his development. And I know he’d rather go through that tough time in order to have success later. So, I think we’ll build off of this. It will be good.”
The 24-year-old Williams threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions as a rookie last season. He shined at times despite the Bears’ struggles around him.
Johnson opened training camp with the plan to challenge Williams with the full inventory of his offense – this instead of easing him in. It met Williams’ own request to be challenged by the Bears’ coaches.
Williams is established as the Bears’ starting quarterback entering his second season. Now, he’s seeking a step forward.
“I think I’ve grown a lot,” Williams said. “Now, my mindset is keep growing. That’s been my mindset since I was a little child, keep growing.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.