Bears HC has critique of Caleb Williams-led passing attack

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Paycor Stadium. Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Bears HC Ben Johnson offers blunt critique of Caleb Williams-led passing attack

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Dec 1, 2025 4:33 PM ET

The Chicago Bears are first in the NFC, but head coach Ben Johnson believes they still need more from their passing attack to remain atop the conference.

During his Monday news conference, Johnson discussed concerns about Chicago's 16th-ranked passing attack (220.4 YPG). He didn't mince words.

Ben Johnson gets candid about the Bears passing game

"Everybody has a role to play to get this pass game cleaned up. It's not where it needs to be," Johnson said. "We're winning in spite of our passing game, not because of it. And none of us are pleased with that."

Johnson's comment could be interpreted as harsh. However, it may be what Chicago's offense must hear following an ugly Week 13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

In Chicago's 24-15 win over Philadelphia, Bears second-year QB Caleb Williams completed 17-of-36 passes (47.2 percent) for a season-low 154 yards. He also tossed one touchdown pass and one interception.

Accuracy has been a problem for Williams throughout his first season under Johnson. Through 12 starts, he ranks 33rd among 33 eligible QBs in completion percentage (58.1 percent).

Citing OptaSTATS, NFL researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno shared that Williams would be the first QB to rank last in the NFL in completion percentage on a team with the No. 1 seed since 1975. The last QB to rank in the bottom five in completion percentage on a No. 1 seed was Rex Grossman in 2006. Coincidentally, he played for the Bears, who reached Super Bowl XLI that season.

Caleb Williams would be the first QB to rank last in the NFL in completion percentage and have his team earn the #1 seed since seeding began in 1975.

The last QB to rank even bottom 5 on the #1 seed was Rex Grossman, who led the Bears to SB XLI in 2006, per @OptaSTATS.
— NFL Researcher (@FrontOfficeNFL) December 1, 2025

Johnson clarified that not all blame falls on Williams, who could use more help from his pass-catchers. Pro Football Reference credits Chicago with 18 drops, tied for the sixth most in the league.

Holding onto the No. 1 seed could prove challenging for the Bears (9-3) if their passing offense doesn't improve rapidly. Chicago faces the Green Bay Packers (8-3-1) in Weeks 14 and 16. The NFC North rival ranks sixth in the league in passing yards allowed (186.5).

Per The Athletic, the Bears' chances of winning the division decrease from 37 to 93 percent if they lose both games to the Packers. No wonder Johnson is trying to light a fire under his offense.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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