Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson looks for greater accuracy from QB Caleb Williams in Year 2 together

(AP) — The solution to quarterback Caleb Williams’ accuracy issues has Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson bringing up a familiar number. With training camp underway in his second season, Johnson said he is again expecting a 70% completion rate this year after his third-year quarterback failed to come close to that designated figure last year at 58.1%. Williams believes he can record a higher percentage without flat-out predicting he’ll approach the magic number.

Achieving it will require something he didn’t do in his first two seasons, after being the No. 1 pick of the 2024 draft and then leading Chicago to an NFC North title in 2025. “Just hit the easy ones when they’re there,” Williams said.

Be confident in my guys, be confident within the play. “And then from there, when things happen, I put on the cape and do my thing, but it’s not something that needs to be on or showing until the moment shows up.” Williams’ cape came on for seven fourth-quarter comebacks last year, counting the playoffs. Throughout their first season together, Johnson brought out the tough-love style of coaching for Williams.

He had no problem raising his voice repeatedly at practices and being tough in meetings. Whether he would take the harder line again in Williams’ second year within the Bears’ offense wasn’t entirely clear before camp, but Williams had to laugh Wednesday when asked about it after the first practice. “I know we have a real common goal and it’s to find a way to make the Chicago Bears champions at the end of the day.

So everything he says and what he says to me, I’ll do it at 200% and won’t look back. If he yells and curses at me or anything like that, I know it’s for the greater good of the team and so whatever it takes is what it’s going to take.” Although Johnson named 70% again as a target, he isn’t defining anything else specific beyond that number. He sees general improvement possible from Williams within Year 2 of the offense because of simple repetition.

“I have this urge as an offensive guy to want to continue to evolve and innovate and push the limits a little bit,” Johnson said. “And yet at the same time, in the back of my mind, what’s best for him is to continue to bank some of these (play) reps.