Caleb Williams Leads Bears into Playoff Contention, With Ben Johnson's Masterplan Shaping the Future
Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears' rookie sensation, is proving week by week that he is more than just a future prospect. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Williams is emerging as a quarterback capable of guiding the Bears into playoff contention in the 2025 season. What started as a promising rookie year has now turned into one of the most exciting storylines in the NFL, with Williams stepping up as the leader the Bears desperately needed.
“Every snap, every decision, I’m thinking about how I can make this team better. It’s not just about my growth; it’s about growing with these guys and showing them that we can compete with the best,”
The Transformation Under Ben Johnson
What has made the Bears' offensive turnaround possible has been the seamless integration of Williams into Ben Johnson’s dynamic offensive system. The offensive coordinator, known for his innovative schemes and ability to adapt, has tailored the Bears' game plan to fit Williams' strengths. From the play-action passing game to deep shots downfield, Johnson has been instrumental in making Williams comfortable in an offense that has the potential to be explosive.
Under Johnson’s system, Williams has flourished, showing not only his arm strength but also his ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Johnson’s ability to craft plays that allow Williams to showcase his strengths has given the Bears a major advantage, making their offense one of the most exciting in the league.
“I don’t just focus on making the perfect throw. I focus on reading the defense, making quick decisions, and getting the ball to the right playmakers,” Williams explained. “Coach Johnson has put us in a position where I can just play fast and trust my instincts.”
The Road to Playoffs: Rising to the Challenge
As the season progresses, the challenge for Williams and the Bears is clear: maintain this momentum and continue to prove that they can compete with the NFC’s top teams. With the Bears still in the hunt for a playoff spot, Williams' leadership on offense will be crucial to their success. This means making the necessary adjustments and performing under the bright lights in critical moments.
The Bears have a tough schedule ahead, with matchups against some of the best teams in the NFC, including the defending Super Bowl champions and division rivals. But if Williams continues to perform at this level, with Johnson’s offensive mastermind guiding him, the Bears could very well make a deep playoff run.
Williams' performance has not gone unnoticed around the league. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and execute big plays has earned him recognition as one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL. His play in clutch situations has helped solidify his reputation as someone who thrives under pressure.
The Playoff Dream: Can Williams Deliver for Chicago?
As the Bears look ahead to the remainder of the season, all eyes will be on Williams to see if he can continue to lead the charge. The potential is there, and with the right coaching, the right game plan, and his unwavering commitment, Williams could become the quarterback that helps bring the Bears back into championship contention for the first time in over a decade.
But while the future is bright, Williams knows the journey is far from over. “It’s about consistency,” Williams said. “We’ve got a long way to go, but I know that if we keep improving every week, we’re going to be a tough team to beat.”
As the NFC playoff picture begins to take shape, the Bears' playoff hopes rest firmly on the shoulders of their rookie quarterback. And if his early-season performance is any indication, Chicago could be in for a thrilling postseason run.
Jalen Hurts Had Words on Eagles Coach After Loss to Cowboys
Perhaps the biggest NFL storyline of the weekend was the Philadelphia Eagles’ disappointing collapse against the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles built a commanding 21-0 first-half lead behind quarterback Jalen Hurts, who went 19-for-23 for 164 yards, threw a 16-yard touchdown to A.J. Brown and added two rushing touchdowns before halftime.
The Philadelphia defense complemented the fast start, holding Dallas scoreless until the final seconds of the second quarter and helping the Eagles appear fully in control with a 21-7 lead at the half.
But what began as a statement performance quickly devolved into one of the Eagles' most damaging losses of the 2025 season. Philadelphia was shut out in the second half, producing no scores, with four drives ending in punts, one in a missed 56-yard field goal and another in a fumble.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni.Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
After the game, the spotlight quickly shifted to offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, who received much of the blame for Philadelphia’s second-half collapse.
On Tuesday, Hurts was asked about Patullo and what he has learned from his play-caller. Instead, the Super Bowl MVP declined to give any specific details.
“I don’t wanna get into the particulars of that. I’ve had a lot of OCs,” Hurts told reporters. “It’s always been an exciting thing to get to learn. ... They’ve always been different, but we’ve always found a way in the end.”
Hurts has indeed worked under 10 offensive coordinators throughout his football career, including four in college. Since becoming the Eagles’ starter in the final four games of the 2020 season, Hurts has worked with six play-callers, producing his best years under Shane Steichen in 2022 and Kellen Moore in 2024, the season he led Philadelphia to its second Super Bowl title in franchise history.
Now 8-3, the Eagles will try to reestablish momentum when they host the Chicago Bears (8-3) on Black Friday. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
