Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson have made a slight adjustment to how Caleb sets up to receive the snap. More here about the #Bears QB from Lester Wiltfong:

The Chicago Bears enter the 2025 NFL season with high hopes surrounding their young quarterback, Caleb Williams. The former college standout and first-round draft pick has already shown flashes of brilliance, but as is common for rookie quarterbacks transitioning to the NFL, fine-tuning the details of his game remains crucial.

One of the more intriguing developments early this offseason has been a slight adjustment Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson made to how Caleb sets up to receive the snap. It’s a subtle shift, but as Bears insider Lester Wiltfong recently detailed, this minor tweak could have a major impact on Williams’ rhythm, footwork, and overall effectiveness on the field.

Understanding the Adjustment: What Changed?

Traditionally, Caleb Williams has lined up in a shotgun formation with a specific stance and foot positioning designed to optimize his mobility and quickness coming out of the snap. However, under Johnson’s watchful eye and with input from the Bears’ coaching staff, Williams altered his setup to create a more balanced and stable base as he prepares to receive the ball.

This adjustment primarily affects the placement and angle of his feet, his weight distribution, and his posture in the pocket’s pre-snap moment. While at first glance it may appear minimal, this change enables Williams to engage his core more effectively, improve his balance, and better prepare for immediate movement—whether to step up into a throw, roll out, or evade pass rushers.

Lester Wiltfong, a trusted voice covering the Bears’ offseason and training camp, highlighted this change during a recent practice observation. He noted that Williams appeared smoother in his footwork and quicker off the snap, a sign the adjustment was already paying dividends.

Why Does Footwork and Setup Matter So Much for a QB?

In the NFL, the quarterback’s setup before receiving the snap is critical. It’s not merely a matter of comfort or routine—it directly impacts timing, decision-making, and the mechanics of throwing the football.

• Balance and Stability: A proper setup allows the quarterback to maintain balance while absorbing pressure, whether from a collapsing pocket or a blitz. It’s especially important for a mobile QB like Williams, who relies on a combination of pocket presence and athleticism.
• Footwork Timing: Quick, efficient footwork is essential to delivering accurate passes. A well-adjusted stance can reduce wasted motion, improve timing with receivers, and prevent mistakes.
• Vision and Field Awareness: The way a QB sets up influences his sightlines and ability to scan the field. A balanced posture helps keep the head steady, improving focus on reads.

For a rookie like Caleb Williams adapting to the NFL’s speed and complexity, refining these foundational aspects can elevate his play and reduce turnover risks.

Ben Johnson’s Offensive Philosophy and Its Influence

Ben Johnson, the Bears’ head coach, is known for emphasizing fundamentals and technical precision in his offense. His background includes extensive work with quarterbacks and offensive schemes that blend power running with quick, timing-based passing concepts.

Johnson’s decision to work closely with Williams on this adjustment reflects a broader philosophy: focus on mastering the small details that collectively lead to big improvements.

Johnson believes that while Caleb’s natural talent and playmaking ability are exceptional, NFL success hinges on consistency and efficiency. By tweaking Williams’ setup, Johnson hopes to:

• Enhance Williams’ ability to execute timing routes.
• Improve his pocket presence and poise.
• Minimize rushed throws and turnovers.
• Support his mobility with a safer, more controlled base.

What Lester Wiltfong Observed

Lester Wiltfong’s reports from Bears practices provide valuable insights into how this adjustment is translating in real time. According to Wiltfong:

• Williams seems more confident in his foot placement.
• His first step after the snap is noticeably crisper and more controlled.
• The slight weight shift allows for quicker movement options, giving Williams more freedom to evade pressure.
• Coaches are reinforcing this setup consistently, signaling its importance to the offensive game plan.

Wiltfong also pointed out that the change is not a dramatic overhaul but rather a refinement—something that shows maturity in Williams’ approach to his craft. It’s the kind of subtle evolution that often separates good quarterbacks from great ones.

The Impact on the Bears’ Offensive Scheme

This adjustment is more than just a mechanical tweak; it reflects a strategic evolution in the Bears’ offense. Johnson’s system is designed to capitalize on Caleb Williams’ dual-threat capabilities while maintaining structure and minimizing mistakes.

By improving Williams’ setup, the Bears can better implement quick passes, rollouts, and designed quarterback runs with greater precision. This will:

• Increase Passing Efficiency: Cleaner footwork translates to more accurate timing routes and better ball placement.
• Improve Pocket Navigation: With better balance, Williams can avoid pressure more effectively and extend plays.
• Enhance Play-Action Effectiveness: A stable base allows Williams to sell fakes and manipulate defenders, opening more opportunities for receivers.
• Reduce Turnovers: Better mechanics reduce off-balance throws and interceptions.

The offensive line will also benefit, as a QB who can move confidently within the pocket lessens the need for urgent protection schemes and gives linemen more room to operate.

Player and Coach Reactions

Inside the Bears’ facility, the reception to this adjustment has been overwhelmingly positive. Coaches have praised Williams’ willingness to embrace the change and work on the nuances. Teammates have noticed his improved smoothness in practice, which could translate into increased trust in the offense.

Williams himself has been vocal about the importance of continual improvement. Despite his natural talent, he recognizes the NFL is a different animal and credits Johnson and the coaching staff for their detailed work.

This willingness to adapt bodes well for Williams’ long-term development and positions him as a leader in the locker room.

Comparisons to Other QB Adjustments in NFL History

Adjustments to snap setups and footwork have often been pivotal in NFL quarterback careers. For example:

• Tom Brady worked extensively on his foot placement and weight distribution early in his career, which improved his release speed and accuracy.
• Patrick Mahomes refined his throwing mechanics and stance to maximize his mobility while maintaining accuracy.
• Russell Wilson has continually adjusted his footwork to stay balanced and avoid pressure while extending plays.

Williams’ current adjustment is in line with these developmental patterns, signaling that the Bears’ coaching staff is focused on setting him up for long-term success rather than quick fixes.

The Broader Context of the Bears’ QB Development

Caleb Williams represents the future of the Bears franchise. After years of uncertainty at the quarterback position, the organization has committed to building around him. That includes surrounding him with a strong offensive line, reliable receivers, and a system designed to maximize his strengths.

These early-season adjustments demonstrate the team’s investment in Williams’ growth. Rather than rushing him into a starting role without polish, the Bears are methodical, addressing fundamental skills like snap setup that could otherwise limit his potential.

What This Means for the 2025 Season

Heading into the 2025 campaign, the Bears expect Caleb Williams to show marked improvement. The adjustment to his setup, combined with a robust offseason program, suggests a quarterback who is maturing quickly.

If Williams can consistently translate this technical refinement into better decision-making, timing, and mobility, the Bears’ offense will become more dynamic and difficult to defend.

Additionally, these improvements could reduce the risk of injury by improving Williams’ ability to maintain balance and evade pressure more effectively.

Final Thoughts

While it may seem minor to casual observers, the slight adjustment Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson made to the QB’s setup to receive the snap represents a critical step in Williams’ professional development. As Lester Wiltfong’s reports confirm, the change is already producing tangible benefits in practice, setting the stage for a smoother transition to NFL game speed.

In a league where fractions of seconds and inches can decide outcomes, these technical details often separate promising quarterbacks from franchise cornerstones. For Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears, this adjustment is a sign that the future is being carefully crafted — with patience, precision, and a commitment to excellence.