10 MINUTES AGO Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson finally snapped back at the noise and lit up the room with a heated message about quarterback Caleb Williams: “What folks are doing to this kid should honestly be illegal in football. It’s wild. You’re tearing down a guy who has literally carried this franchise week after week — shows up, locks in, never complains, never points fingers, just goes out there trying to win games for the Chicago Bears. Caleb Williams? He’s one of the most gifted quarterbacks this sport has ever seen in my eyes. And instead of piling on him every time things get rough, people should be lifting him up.”
In a post-season press conference that turned unexpectedly fiery, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson unleashed a passionate defense of his quarterback, Caleb Williams. The remarks came amid swirling criticism following the Bears’ divisional round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Johnson, in his first year at the helm, addressed the media with visible frustration, highlighting the undue pressure placed on the young signal-caller.
The 2025 season marked a remarkable turnaround for the Bears under Johnson’s leadership. After a disappointing prior year, the team finished with an 11-6 record, capturing the NFC North title for the first time since 2018. This success included a thrilling Wild Card victory over the rival Green Bay Packers, showcasing the franchise’s renewed energy and Johnson’s innovative offensive schemes.
Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, emerged as a cornerstone of this resurgence. He shattered the Bears’ single-season passing record with 3,942 yards and maintained an impressive 27-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio, ranking fifth in the league. His poise under pressure and ability to extend plays drew comparisons to elite quarterbacks, validating Johnson’s high praise.
Despite these achievements, Williams faced scrutiny after the playoff exit. Analysts pointed to moments like an interception on fourth-and-2 against the Rams, where he appeared to shake his throwing hand afterward. Critics argued that such errors highlighted inconsistencies in decision-making, fueling debates about his readiness for high-stakes games.
Johnson’s outburst directly countered this narrative. He emphasized Williams’ unwavering work ethic, noting how the quarterback consistently arrived prepared, absorbed coaching without complaint, and focused solely on team victories. “He’s carried this franchise,” Johnson reiterated, underscoring the rookie’s role in elevating the offense to new heights.
The Bears’ offensive line upgrades played a pivotal role in Williams’ success. Additions like All-Pro right tackle Darnell Wright provided better protection, allowing Williams to operate more effectively. The team ranked third in rushing yards league-wide, complementing Williams’ passing prowess and creating a balanced attack that overwhelmed opponents.
Defensively, the Bears led the NFL with 33 takeaways, a testament to their opportunistic play. However, injuries plagued key players, with the unit ranking in the bottom 10 for both pass and run defense. Johnson acknowledged these shortcomings but refused to let them overshadow Williams’ contributions.
In previous instances, Johnson has addressed criticisms of Williams constructively. For example, in November 2025, he fired back at claims that Williams was timid in 50/50 ball situations, explaining it as a strategic choice rather than a flaw. This pattern shows Johnson’s protective stance toward his quarterback.
Williams himself has praised Johnson effusively. After the season, he called the coach a “catalyst” for the team’s success, crediting him for fostering a winning culture and providing stability. Their partnership has been hailed as a bright spot for the franchise’s future.
The playoff run, though ending in disappointment, included memorable moments. Against the Packers, Williams orchestrated come-from-behind drives, silencing doubters temporarily. Johnson’s post-game comments then highlighted the team’s resilience, noting extra motivation from Green Bay’s pre-game noise.
Criticism of Williams isn’t new. Early in the season, some questioned his adaptation to Johnson’s system, but by mid-year, he had grown significantly. Lions pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, a division rival, even admitted Williams was “tough to defend,” praising his development.
Johnson’s recent comments echo a broader sentiment in the locker room. Players like edge rusher Austin Booker and safety Jaquan Brisker have defended the team against external barbs, such as those from Packers running back Josh Jacobs. This unity suggests a strong foundation moving forward.
Looking ahead to 2026, Johnson plans to emphasize fundamentals like ball security and third-down efficiency. He critiqued his own play-calling after games, showing accountability that extends beyond Williams. The Bears aim to bolster their defensive line to address pass rush weaknesses.
Williams’ growth trajectory remains promising. His Heisman-winning college pedigree at USC translated well to the pros, with flashes of brilliance in extending plays and making off-platform throws. Johnson’s schemes have amplified these talents, turning potential into production.
The media’s role in amplifying criticism drew Johnson’s ire. He argued that constant negativity undermines young players’ confidence, especially those like Williams who shoulder immense expectations as a franchise savior. “Lifting him up” instead, Johnson urged, would benefit the sport.
Fan reactions to Johnson’s defense have been overwhelmingly positive. Social media buzzed with support for Williams, with many echoing the coach’s view that the quarterback deserves acclaim rather than undue blame. This solidarity could galvanize the fanbase for the offseason.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles, now in his fifth year, has invested heavily in the roster. Draft picks like rookies Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III added firepower, contributing to the offensive explosion. Poles’ vision aligns with Johnson’s, promising continued improvement.
In reflecting on the season, Johnson highlighted expected points added (EPA) metrics, where Williams ranked 12th. While solid, he sees room for growth, attributing some issues to broader team execution rather than individual faults.
The Bears’ playoff appearance broke a 15-year drought for a win, a milestone Johnson achieved in his debut year—a first in franchise history. This accomplishment underscores the rapid progress under his guidance.
As the offseason begins, Johnson’s heated message serves as a rallying cry. It defends not just Williams but the entire team’s efforts, setting a tone of resilience and optimism for 2026. The Bears appear poised for even greater success.
Ultimately, Johnson’s words remind the football world of Williams’ exceptional gifts. In a league where quarterbacks face relentless scrutiny, such vocal support from a coach can be transformative, fostering the environment needed for sustained excellence.
