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It’s no secret that Chicago has long been a place where quarterbacks, young and old, were declared dead on arrival. Caleb Williams has officially become the first 4,000-yard passer in franchise history this season after years and decades of mediocrity and disappointment since Sid Luckman’s 7 touchdowns in 1943. From Jay Cutler to Mitch Trubisky to Justin Fields, no “The Guy” has ever been “The Guy” long enough to win over the city and have an accolade to be proud of. 4,000 yards is routine these days, so no one would say Williams is getting a statue just yet, but it’s clear he is a top talent. So, what’s the secret? Why is Caleb Williams elevating and looking to be the generational prospect he was touted as? How has a team which allowed 68 sacks in 2024 and 50 sacks in 2023, now just allowed 6 sacks in 11 games in 2025?
Ben Johnson
First, the new coaching staff and scheme in Chicago deserve their share of credit for the lack of sacks. The game plan has an emphasis on getting the ball out fast and/or keeping an extra blocker in to help out or chip. That means edge rushers are routinely getting double-teamed on pass plays, letting routes develop, and Caleb Williams can step into his throws. The amount of quick throws the Bears have utilized contrasts this, meaning defenses have to choose and guess between playing up for RPOs and flats, and getting back in coverage to protect the field giving the pass rush any chance. Ben Johnson clearly values staying ahead of the chains and a balanced attack, which has played a key role in protecting the future: Caleb Williams.
The Offensive Line
Next, the new and improved offensive line for the Bears should be gifted new cars and watches and PS6s and so on. LT Braxton Jones and RT Darnell Wright have been fixtures, young yet developed pieces ready to stay as long as Caleb and Ben are in town. Wright has allowed 0 sacks and Jones has allowed 3, although one of them was to TJ Watt. The interior has seen a shuffling depending on if the staff wants to put a focus on youth or experience. The LG position has rotated between Joe Thuney and Kiran Amedagije, neither have allowed a sack. The center has either been Drew Dalman or Layden Robinson, neither have allowed a sack. The RG position has switched from Jonah Jackson to Ozzy Trapilo, neither have allowed a sack. This is one of the best units in the game and they have protected their most essential piece.
Caleb Williams
Finally, Caleb himself deserves praise for his personal improvement from his rookie season to this one. His time to throw is down, his pocket awareness is up, and he’s accounted for only three sacks compared to… a lot more last year. It has also allowed him to run more physically and effectively as he isn’t drained from getting hit. This Bears team is clearly on the right track on offense.
Ben Johnson, The Offensive Line, and Caleb Williams all deserve their flowers for the turnaround in protecting the quarterback in Chicago.
