Bears’ OC Declan Doyle offers glimpse into Caleb Williams’ steady improvement

It’s one thing to say that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is improving with every practice. It’s another to provide direct evidence of what that improvement is.

Sure, there are highlights of deep passes and touchdown throws circulating on social media, but no serious fan is going to assume that a handful of highlights means Williams is really improving under Ben Johnson’s watch.

That’s why what Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said Saturday is so important. He told beat reporters at Halas Hall exactly where Williams is improving.

“There was a shot in the red zone today (Saturday), where it’s a third down,” Doyle said. “We’re asking him to make a check off of the No. 2 defender. He feels like he’s got to make the check. He feels like that guy backs up and he does a job of getting us back into the original play and completing a ball to Rome for a first down. I think just those little things every day, they’re glimpses of what he’s capable of and what he’s capable of processing.”

Caleb Williams, like most rookie quarterbacks, struggled with slower-than-expected processing in 2024. The fact that he’s improving in that area, combined with the improved pass protection he’ll play behind, should lead to the kind of breakout year Bears fans aren’t used to from their QB.

Williams ended his rookie season with 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. His passing yardage ranked as the fifth-highest single-season total in Chicago Bears franchise history, and he set an NFL record for the most consecutive passes without an interception by a rookie.

Caleb Williams will benefit from three new starting interior offensive linemen — guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and center Drew Dalman — as well as (potentially) rookie Ozzy Trapilo at left tackle.

And with Ben Johnson calling plays? Yep, buckle up, Bears fans. That 4,000-yard passing curse should finally come to an end in 2025.