The Bears' Offensive Transformation Begins

New Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is preparing to take quarterback Caleb Williams out of his comfort zone in 2025, implementing significant scheme changes that could revolutionize the team's offensive approach. The centerpiece of this transformation? Moving Williams under center more frequently to maximize play-action opportunities.

Breaking the Shotgun Habit

• Williams took 84 dropbacks under center vs. 575 in shotgun as a rookie
• Career 7 pass attempts under center in college (6 at USC, 1 at Oklahoma)
• Rookie QBR: 52 (shotgun) vs. 25 (under center)

Johnson brings expertise from Detroit where:

• Lions led NFL with 56.2% under-center rate in 2024
• Detroit's offense ranked 1st in yards per play (6.3) from under center 2022-24
• Jared Goff improved significantly when working from under center

The Play-Action Advantage

Chicago's offensive staff sees untapped potential in:

• Increasing the team's 30th-ranked play-action rate (18.5%)
• Developing Williams' footwork on longer drops
• Creating deeper passing lanes by holding second-level defenders

"The longer fake tends to hold the second level longer," Johnson explained. "That's where you get your chunk plays."

Building Around Williams

Recent roster moves suggest a commitment to protection:

• Added Pro Bowl guard Joe Thuney
• Signed center Drew Dalman
• Brought in veteran QB Case Keenum as mentor

Measurable Improvements

Johnson will focus on key metrics:

• EPA per play as primary success indicator
• Completion percentage (Williams ranked 31st at 62.5%)
• Reducing sack percentage (allowed league-high 68 sacks)

"We're creating an environment to challenge him," GM Ryan Poles stated. "You have to be demanding of expectations."

The Bears begin on-field work in Phase 3 (May 12), but the mental transformation starts now in meeting rooms. As Williams adapts to this new system, Chicago's offensive identity could undergo its most significant shift in decades.