Everyone just assumed Caleb Williams would enter the NFL and dominate right away. The Heisman Trophy winner in 2022, Williams had all the makings of an elite quarterback prospect coming out of USC. He was tabbed to turn around what had become a stale Chicago Bears franchise. That didn’t quite work out in his rookie season.
Williams didn’t play poorly, ending his first season with a 20:6 touchdown to interception ratio, but he took a league-leading 68 sacks and showed some concerning habits. Chicago’s front office chose to maximize Williams’ early years during the offseason, getting rid of head coach Matt Eberflus and hiring offensive guru Ben Johnson from the Detroit Lions. Expectations are now, once again, very high for Williams.
D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze see a much more confident and prepared Caleb Williams
And it’s not just the fans who are feeling hopeful heading into 2025. Even Williams’ teammates, his top two wideouts D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, believe we’re going to see a different Williams in his second season. Johnson is expected to make all the difference, as the two receivers recently spoke about the changes they’ve seen in Williams.
While doing so, Moore got in what could be taken as a slight shot at the previous coaching staff.
- “His preparation, from the coaches down to him. Going from the [offensive line] to us, just being on the playbooks and knowing our positions and what to do for him.” – D.J. Moore
- “He’s definitely more locked in. He’s had a whole training camp of growth and that [has paid] dividends for him. Like D.J. said, we’re all there for him; the coaching staff and everybody. He’s going out there and he’s balling.” – Rome Odunze
There’s no doubt many Bears players weren’t thrilled with Eberflus and his staff, particularly on offense. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was fired nine games into the 2024 season, and Moore was frequently seen being visibly frustrated by the offense’s struggles.
It appears things have changed for the better under Johnson. That should benefit Moore, Williams, Odunze and the entire team.
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