LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Early in his NFL career, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has expressed his desire to be challenged by coaching. Bears first-year head coach Ben Johnson is providing that in a position that he was drawn to largely because of Williams.
The Bears (1-2) are three regular-season games into the Williams-Johnson pairing, and their growth has been on display. Williams threw for 298 yards and four touchdowns in Chicago's 31-14 win against Dallas on Sunday, which marked Johnson’s first win in leading the Bears.
Williams has showcased improvement early in his second NFL season, with Johnson’s influence certainly playing a pivotal role. The two have connected well.
"Caleb and I have a great relationship right now,” Johnson said Friday at Halas Hall. “I can’t ask for anything better. He’s wired the right way. I think he's getting better every single day he comes into the building. He’s putting in the prep time that’s necessary for us to put points on the board. And I think we're going to continue to see him head the right direction.
“We’re just in the beginning of this too. I think that’s the best part of this. I feel so strongly about him as a player, the direction he's heading. We're just going to continue to get better. We’re going to grow together.”
The 23-year-old Williams has completed 63.4% of his passes for 715 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception in three games this season. He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Bears’ win over the Cowboys on Sunday.
The Bears will play the Raiders on Sunday in Las Vegas. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CT from Allegiant Stadium.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.