Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson calls out QB Caleb Williams and a 'sloppy' offense after the August 2025 Family Fest, raising early concerns for the 2024 season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The vibe at Soldier Field during Sunday's Family Fest was supposed to be optimistic, a celebration of a new era. Instead, new head coach Ben Johnson delivered a cold dose of reality. Visibly frustrated, Johnson publicly called out his offense for a 'sloppy' performance, citing repeated execution errors, multiple delay of game penalties, and poor huddle management that has the unit 'behind schedule' in its development under second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.
'If it continues like that, we're not going to win many games.' - Head Coach Ben Johnson
For a coach hired to be an offensive guru, Ben Johnson did not mince words. He specifically pointed to Caleb Williams having to burn a timeout with just seven seconds on the play clock as an example of the disorganization he won't tolerate. 'We expect to be a little cleaner at this stage,' Johnson stated, making it clear that the grace period is over. This wasn't a quiet word behind closed doors; it was a public declaration that the standard isn't being met, putting the entire offensive unit, and its young quarterback, on immediate notice.
Johnson's internal frustration is being amplified by a national spotlight. ESPN's Dan Orlovsky recently declared Williams is under more pressure than any other player in the NFL for 2025, a heavy burden for a QB who led the league in sack yardage during a brutal 10-game losing streak last year. With expectations of 4,000 yards and a 70% completion rate, the margin for error is nonexistent. Fellow analyst Ryan Clark ominously warned that if Williams struggles in the season opener, the narrative could quickly turn to whether the Bears 'drafted the wrong guy.' The camp struggles are no longer just camp struggles; they're evidence for a growing national debate.
To be fair to the offense, they're facing a formidable challenge every day in practice. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has installed an aggressive scheme that has reportedly given Williams and company fits. Johnson himself acknowledged the defense has had the upper hand throughout camp, with players like safety Jaquan Brisker earning consistent praise. While this internal competition is designed to sharpen both sides of the ball, it's clear the offense has yet to find its rhythm against Allen's unit, contributing to the penalties and inconsistency that drew Johnson's ire.
The timing of the newly released preseason schedule couldn't be more critical. The Bears are set to host the Miami Dolphins for joint practices on Friday before their preseason opener on Sunday. These sessions are no longer just a tune-up; they are a vital measuring stick. It will be the offense's first chance to execute against a different scheme and a different defensive front. It's an opportunity to see if the offensive line overhaul can create lanes for rookie running back Kyle Monangai and, most importantly, if Caleb Williams can command the huddle and operate the 'clean' offense his coach is demanding.
The honeymoon period for Ben Johnson is officially over. His public challenge has set a clear, urgent tone for the rest of training camp. All eyes will now turn to Friday's joint practices and Sunday's preseason opener against the Dolphins. Will the offense respond to the pressure and show the clean execution their new coach demands, or are these early struggles a sign of a deeper issue? This week will provide our first real answer.
