Ben Johnson criticizes Caleb Williams’ inconsistent decision-making under pressure and demands he improve his pocket awareness immediately.

In the world of professional football, few things are more scrutinized than the performance of a team’s starting quarterback. For the Chicago Bears, the spotlight currently shines on Caleb Williams, their young and immensely talented signal-caller. While Williams has dazzled with his athleticism, arm talent, and playmaking ability, Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson recently voiced a major concern about the quarterback’s game — one that could determine the trajectory of both Williams’ career and the team’s success.

Johnson, known for his meticulous attention to detail and demanding coaching style, has pinpointed Caleb Williams’ inconsistent decision-making under pressure and his pocket awareness as the most pressing issue that needs urgent attention. “He’s got incredible talent, but the way he handles pressure in the pocket? That’s got to change,” Johnson emphasized. “It’s not just about arm strength or speed. It’s about seeing the field, trusting your protection, and making smart decisions quickly.”

This critique has sparked a wide-ranging conversation about what Williams needs to develop to become an elite quarterback in the NFL. Let’s break down Johnson’s concerns, explore the implications for Williams and the Bears, and consider how this challenge could be a turning point for one of the league’s brightest young stars.

The Talent Is Undeniable

Before diving into the criticism, it’s essential to acknowledge why Caleb Williams was so highly touted coming into the NFL. His college career was marked by explosive plays, a fearless mentality, and an uncanny ability to extend drives with his legs and arm alike. Williams’ skill set includes:

• Elite athleticism: He’s as comfortable scrambling out of the pocket as he is delivering accurate throws on the run.
• Arm strength and accuracy: Williams can make every throw on the field, from deep bombs to tight-window passes.
• Playmaking instinct: He thrives in high-pressure situations, often turning broken plays into big gains.

Because of these traits, Williams was expected to be a franchise quarterback who could energize the Bears offense and lead them back to playoff contention. But as Ben Johnson points out, raw talent alone doesn’t guarantee success at the NFL level.

The Pressure Problem: Inconsistent Decision-Making

The NFL is a league of speed and complexity where defenders close in fast and windows to throw shrink rapidly. For quarterbacks, especially young ones, learning how to process pressure is a critical skill. This is where Caleb Williams’ game has shown flashes of vulnerability.

Ben Johnson’s main gripe centers on Williams’ inconsistent decision-making when the pocket collapses or when pressure arrives unexpectedly. Instead of quickly identifying the best option—whether to throw the ball away, check down, or step up—Williams has sometimes held onto the ball too long or forced throws into tight coverage.

This hesitation or poor choice under duress can lead to:

• Sacks or tackles for loss, killing drives and putting the offense behind the chains.
• Turnovers, including interceptions or fumbles, which can shift momentum dramatically.
• Disrupted offensive rhythm, frustrating teammates and coaches alike.

Johnson notes that while Williams has the athleticism to evade pressure, relying too much on his legs or scrambling out of the pocket can sometimes put him and the offense at unnecessary risk. “You don’t want your quarterback running because he has to, you want him moving because it’s part of the play design,” Johnson explained. “When he has time to throw, he needs to make quick, decisive reads and get the ball out. That’s the difference between good and great.”

Pocket Awareness: Seeing and Trusting the Protection

Closely tied to decision-making is pocket awareness, a skill that separates elite NFL quarterbacks from the rest. Pocket awareness means understanding the protection schemes, anticipating pressure, and maneuvering within the pocket to buy time while keeping the play alive.

Ben Johnson has emphasized that Caleb Williams must improve in this area. Currently, Williams sometimes struggles to:

• Sense pressure before it arrives, leading to being caught off guard.
• Use subtle footwork to maneuver within the pocket, which can extend plays without exposing himself to big hits.
• Trust his offensive line to hold blocks long enough for receivers to get open.

When a quarterback’s pocket awareness is lacking, it can lead to rushed throws or unnecessary runs, which place extra strain on both the offense and the team’s overall game plan.

Why This Issue Matters So Much for the Bears

The Chicago Bears are in a pivotal phase of their rebuilding process. Their offense is loaded with promising skill players, and the coaching staff, led by Ben Johnson, is working to install a system that maximizes those talents. However, a quarterback who cannot handle pressure effectively puts the entire scheme at risk.

The Bears play in the NFC North, a division known for tough defenses and relentless pass rushers. Teams like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings boast strong defensive lines capable of collapsing pockets quickly. If Williams doesn’t improve his pocket presence and decision-making, the Bears may struggle against top-tier defenses.

Moreover, constant pressure and mistakes under duress can erode a quarterback’s confidence, which in turn affects their ability to lead and inspire teammates. For a young quarterback like Williams, developing mental toughness and a calm, measured approach in tight spots is crucial.

The Path to Improvement: Coaching and Experience

Ben Johnson’s demand for change is not a criticism meant to undermine Williams but rather a roadmap for growth. The offensive coordinator believes that with targeted coaching and increased experience, Williams can overcome these challenges.

• Film study: Johnson encourages Williams to spend extra time reviewing game tape, especially focusing on how defenses generate pressure and how elite quarterbacks handle it.
• Footwork drills: Improving pocket movement can help Williams extend plays without resorting to dangerous scrambles.
• Quick decision drills: Practice reps designed to accelerate processing speed and promote decisiveness under simulated pressure.
• Building chemistry with the O-line: Enhanced communication and trust with the offensive line will help Williams better anticipate protection breakdowns.

Johnson also notes that as Williams gains more in-game reps, he’ll learn to better “feel” pressure and make instinctual decisions. “Experience is the best teacher,” Johnson said. “The more he plays, the more comfortable he’ll get. And that comfort will translate into smarter, faster choices.”

The Importance of Mental Toughness

Handling pressure isn’t just physical — it’s deeply mental. Ben Johnson highlights the importance of mental toughness for Caleb Williams to thrive as an NFL quarterback.

Football is a game of failure as much as success. Every quarterback will make mistakes, throw interceptions, or get sacked. The key is how they respond. Williams must develop resilience to shake off bad plays quickly, maintain confidence, and stay focused under the relentless pressure of the NFL spotlight.

Johnson stressed that part of his coaching mission is to help Williams build this mindset. “We want him to be fearless but smart. To understand that pressure is a part of the game and that the best players embrace it and rise above it.”

Early Signs of Progress

Despite the challenges, there are encouraging signs that Williams is responding to Johnson’s demands. In recent games and practices, coaches have noticed:

• Improved pre-snap reads.
• Quicker releases under pressure.
• Better use of the pocket to evade rushers without abandoning plays.
• More consistent decision-making in the red zone.

Williams himself has acknowledged the areas he needs to improve. In recent interviews, he’s expressed openness to learning and a willingness to put in the work required. This humility and dedication bode well for his development.

What Fans and Analysts Are Saying

The public and media reaction to Johnson’s critique has been mixed. Some fans worry that Williams’ issues are too big to overcome quickly, while others see it as a natural part of growing pains for a young quarterback.

Analysts highlight that many successful NFL quarterbacks struggled early with pocket awareness and pressure. Players like Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson initially relied heavily on athleticism before developing refined pocket skills that elevated their games.

This perspective suggests that while the learning curve is steep, the path forward is clear — and attainable.

The Long-Term Outlook

For the Chicago Bears, the goal is to build around Caleb Williams and develop him into a quarterback who can win consistently in the NFL. Addressing his pocket awareness and decision-making under pressure is a critical piece of that puzzle.

If Williams can meet Ben Johnson’s challenge and improve in these areas, the Bears’ offense could become one of the most dynamic and balanced in the league. It would allow Williams to fully leverage his natural talents while minimizing costly mistakes.

Conversely, if the issues persist, the Bears risk stagnation or regression, highlighting how crucial this developmental phase is.

Ben Johnson’s frank assessment of Caleb Williams’ biggest problem — inconsistent decision-making and poor pocket awareness under pressure — is more than a critique. It is a call to action.

Williams stands at a crossroads in his young career. He has the physical tools and mental makeup to be a star in this league, but he must evolve his game to meet the demands of professional football’s speed and complexity.

With Johnson’s guidance and a willingness to adapt, Williams has the potential to transform his weakness into a strength. For the Bears, and their fans, this development could be the difference between a team still searching for identity and one poised to compete at the highest level.

The road ahead won’t be easy. But as Ben Johnson makes clear, the change Caleb Williams needs to make isn’t optional — it’s essential.