General manager Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears front office have conducted a masterclass this offseason, when it comes to building a potentially prolific offense around quarterback Caleb Williams.
When the Bears weren’t adding three veteran interior linemen, including three-time All-Pro Joe Thuney to keep Williams upright, Chicago was drafting potentially explosive pass catchers in tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden in the first two rounds.
While new head coach Ben Johnson’s arrival may wind up being the most impactful addition both in terms of Williams developing into an elite quarterback and the Bears making a run at the NFC North crown thanks to improved personnel on both sides of the ball and a potentially prolific scheme, Williams improving in one key area could prove critical for Chicago.
How Caleb Williams can help Chicago Bears’ revamped offensive line
The front office went above and beyond to add veteran experience and some of the top interior linemen available to upgrade an offensive line that allowed 68 sacks and a barrage of pressure on Williams throughout the former No. 1 overall pick’s rookie season.
But, as Pro Football Focus points out, listing Williams as the No. 24 ranked quarterback across the league ahead of this season kicking off, the former USC standout needs to give his offensive line some help by avoiding some of the pressure instead of scrambling to it.
“Touted as a generational talent by many,” John Kosko writes for PFF. “Williams underwhelmed as a rookie, earning just a 67.6 overall grade and posting only five single-game grades above 70.0. The talent is undeniable, but his NFL success will hinge on learning to find open targets and avoiding the habit of running himself into pressure.”
Chicago is betting on improved play up front, Johnson’s scheme, and more clearly defined route concepts in the passing game, and the benefit of Williams playing for an offensive-minded coaching staff with a track record of success, sparking a big turnaround this fall.
Just how lofty the Bears’ ceiling is this season, and beyond, largely hinges on Williams making major strides in his second season — both fundamentally and statistically.
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