NEW YORK, NY — The key to success for the Chicago Bears in the 2025 NFL season will likely rely on the shoulders of quarterback Caleb Williams. The former No. 1 overall pick ins entering his second season in the NFL, coming off a rookie campaign that was turbulent for him and the franchise.
Williams saw his offensive coordinator and head coach both be fired before season's end as the team had a 10-game losing streak. But now, the Bears have partnered him with Ben Johnson in a combination that the franchise hopes lasts for years in the Windy City. While the Bears are on break until training camp in late July, Williams was able to receive some advice from another quarterback over the weekend.
During a quarterbacks panel with Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, C.J. Stroud, and Bryce Young at Fanatics Fest in New York City, one of those players had some advice for Williams on how to improve his game in his second season.
When asked about advice for year two for the quarterback, Stroud joked about an encounter they had after a primetime game earlier in the 2024 season.
"I don't know if Caleb likes my advice," Stroud joked. "Teams prepare more, they know what you are good at, they try to just cut that off. It's like playing basketball, if you find out a guy can't go left, they're going to force you left."
But he went into more detail about what he believes Williams needs to be aware of from what he's seen so far out of the talented quarterback.
"The main thing is they want you to extend plays every time. If you learn how to just sit in the pocket, and when it's not down like we're playing in the shell league, it's cover four cover two cover six cover five, all these different two high coverages, if it's not there bro, just get it out of your hand," he said.
"I think I told you on the field, and the less hits you take, the better. It's a long, long season. I know you went through that 'cause it's 17-18 long weeks, and then you add playoffs on there, it gets long. So, the more you can get down, get rid of the ball, check it down, and just be smart. I think you're going to do great, like you have always done."
Williams was sacked a league high 68 times, averaging four a game in his first year. Not all of them were his fault as shaky offensive line play and the scheme factored into that high number. However, some could be attributed to his playing style and trying to keep plays alive.
There have also been times when Williams' play style has benefited the Bears by keeping plays alive and picking up first downs. But going into this season, under a new regime with Johnson, the focus should be on keeping Williams upright and letting him use his talent to make plays and run this offense.