As the Bears open 2025 training camp, QB Caleb Williams sets a historic 4,000-yard goal under new coach Ben Johnson's high-powered offensive scheme.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The buzz is back at Halas Hall. As the Chicago Bears officially opened training camp on Wednesday, the feeling was less about shaking off the rust from a 5-12 season and more about igniting the fuse on a new, high-powered era. With new head coach Ben Johnson at the helm and quarterback Caleb Williams setting historic personal goals, Day 1 felt like a statement of intent for a team with serious playoff aspirations.
'That's a goal of mine, 70% completion helps the team, keeps us on the field, puts us in better positions, and then other than that just trying to go down and score the most points that we can with each drive that we have.' - Caleb Williams
After a stellar rookie campaign where he amassed over 4,000 total yards, Caleb Williams is not resting on his laurels. He boldly told reporters his goals for 2025: become the first Bears quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards and complete 70% of his passes. These aren't just empty numbers; they're a perfect fit for the vision of new head coach Ben Johnson. Johnson, who orchestrated a Detroit offense that averaged a league-best 29.0 points per game from 2022-24, is expected to install a system heavy on play-action and pre-snap motion—exactly the kind of scheme that can help a talented QB like Williams reach that elite level of efficiency and production.
A quarterback's ambitions are only as good as his protection and his weapons. Management clearly understood this, making the offensive line a top priority. Camp will be crucial for integrating new free agent starters Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. Their ability to gel quickly will be paramount to establishing the powerful rushing attack Johnson's offense requires. They'll also be tasked with giving Williams time to find his new rookie targets, first-round tight end Colston Loveland and second-round wideout Luther Burden III, who are both expected to compete for significant roles immediately.
While the offense grabbed the headlines, the front office was also shoring up the defense. The Bears signed a pair of experienced veterans in cornerback Tre Flowers and defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon. These moves provide crucial depth and experience, especially with star corner Jaylon Johnson beginning camp on the non-football injury (NFI) list with a leg issue. The signing of Kpassagnon is particularly noteworthy, as his four years with the Saints give him familiarity with a similar defensive scheme. While neither Flowers nor Kpassagnon are guaranteed a final roster spot, their presence raises the competitive floor as camp begins.
The pieces are on the board. A new offensive-minded coach, a quarterback aiming for the record books, and a revamped offensive line. But projections are just paper. The real work of building a playoff contender begins now on the practice fields of Halas Hall. With key battles at receiver and in the secondary, and the opener against the Vikings looming, this promises to be one of the most crucial training camps in recent memory. The journey to 10-7 starts today.
