In a push for progress, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is taking the lead
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — When Bears quarterback Caleb Williams leads an 11-man clap to break the huddle, he and his teammate burst from their circle and hurry to the line of scrimmage.
It's a new emphasis from Bears head coach Ben Johnson, one that gives Williams more time to make his pre-snap reads, checks and motions. It's also part of a mindset that's being established.
"Getting out of the huddle, getting on the ball and we're going to attack you," Williams said Wednesday after practice.
The 23-year-old Williams has made strides in his responsibilities prior to taking the snap from center Drew Dalman. He's handling the pre-snap duties of a quarterback, his cadence has improved and the new Bears coaching staff is pleased.
But forming that attacking offense will take time – that much has been clear in the first week of training camp as Johnson is building an offense that caters to the strengths of Williams and his personnel.
Early in camp, there have been good practices for Williams and the offense but others in which their struggles are clear. Johnson isn't focused on the results just yet.
"His process is really clean right now," Johnson said. "I'm talking about how he's preparing. I'm really pleased with it. He's doing the work behind the scenes that no one else is seeing, and we're starting to see the dividends being paid from it."
Johnson indicated last Saturday that the Bears were only one-third of the way through installing their offense. Williams is essentially starting over again ahead of his second NFL season, and he's trying to see the benefit of doing so.
Williams pointed to what he believes will be a long partnership with Johnson, whom the Bears hired in large part to develop a franchise quarterback. With that in mind, Williams understands there will be carryover in Johnson's tutelage moving forward.
As the Bears work to build out their new offense, Williams is focused on growth.
"Whether it's now or 10 years from now, there's always going to be progress to be had," Williams said.
Williams threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions in 17 games as a rookie. He showcased reasons to believe in his future even as the Bears endured a miserable season.
The Bears have supported Williams by hiring a new coaching staff and adding significantly to their offensive line and skill positions. Now, it's on Williams to guide the Bears forward.
"This year for me, it's trying to take a step up in my leadership role and pushing the guys," Williams said. "Part of it is going out there and being right and doing everything right, getting the play calls in fast, being out there (and) being confident, knowing what I'm doing. And the other half of it is when things are messing up, let's re-huddle, 'Get up, come on, let's get this thing going.' In two-minute, encouraging the guy. It's fourth quarter – I know we're in practice; it's a hot day – (but) it's fourth quarter in a game, it's time to go win, so let's go win this game."
Extra points
Bears left guard Jonah Jackson (leg) didn't practice Wednesday and is considered day-to-day. Left tackle Braxton Jones was also out for a scheduled rest day.
The Bears will practice Thursday morning before a players' off day Friday.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
