The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a pivotal 2025 NFL season, with high hopes pinned on quarterback Caleb Williams as he enters his second year. After a rocky rookie campaign marked by a 5-12 record and plenty of growing pains, Williams and new head coach Ben Johnson are setting ambitious goals that could redefine the Bears’ offensive identity.
Training camp kicked off on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Halas Hall, where Johnson laid down a clear statistical benchmark for Williams: complete 70% of his passes. This target is no small feat, especially considering Williams’ rookie numbers. In 2024, he ranked 31st out of 36 qualifying quarterbacks with a 62.5% completion rate, throwing for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Yet, Johnson’s optimism is rooted in a vision of steady improvement and consistency, emphasizing that reaching this completion percentage in practice is foundational for game-day success.
"I told him I would love for him this season to complete 70% of his balls," Johnson said. "So, you would like to think that over the course of practice that we're completing 70% or more, or that's hard to just magically arise in a game. It's a lofty goal, but it's one we're going to strive for. Because of that, we're going to use that as a benchmark and kind of work from there." The veteran coach, who was formerly the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, is no stranger to quarterback development. His experience with Jared Goff, who completed 72.4% of his passes last season, provides a blueprint for what Williams can aspire to.
Williams himself embraces the challenge with enthusiasm. During his own media session, he shared personal aspirations that extend beyond mere statistics. "Obviously I have self goals, and that’s being the first 4,000-yard passer in Bears history," Williams declared. "That’s a goal of mine. Seventy percent 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. That’s kinda my self goal and obviously, other than that, you gotta go win. That’s success for me, that’s success for the team." This ambition is notable given that only six quarterbacks reached the 4,000-yard mark in 2024, and just four managed to combine that with a 70% completion rate: Goff, Baker Mayfield, Joe Burrow, and Geno Smith.
Last season’s Bears offense struggled mightily, plagued by a porous offensive line that allowed 68 sacks. Recognizing this glaring weakness, General Manager Ryan Poles made significant upgrades in the offseason, bringing in guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and center Drew Dalman. These additions aim to provide Williams with the protection he lacked as a rookie, and to stabilize the unit as a whole.
Williams’ development trajectory in 2024 offers encouragement. Despite the team's 5-12 record, his performance in the final eight games was impressive: 11 touchdowns to just one interception, coupled with 253 rushing yards. If extrapolated over a full 17-game season, those numbers suggest a 23-touchdown, two-interception pace, a 95.3 passer rating, and 538 rushing yards — a tantalizing glimpse of his potential when the offense clicks.
Adding to the optimism, the Bears bolstered their skill positions in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting rookie receiver Luther Burden III and first-round tight end Colston Loveland. Both players were recovering from injuries during OTAs and early camp but are expected to be ready for the first full practice on Wednesday, July 23. Their presence could provide Williams with more dynamic weapons to attack defenses.
Meanwhile, the offensive line competition remains intense. Left tackle Braxton Jones, who underwent ankle surgery in the offseason, was cleared for practice when the team reported. He now faces a three-way battle for the starting left tackle spot against rookie Ozzy Trapilo and second-year player Kiran Amegadjie. Coach Johnson emphasized that no incumbents are guaranteed a spot. "I would like to think his experience will help him but we’re coming in with blank slates right now," Johnson said. "And so just because a guy has played and another guy hasn’t in this league. We’re going to let the competition play out and we’ll see where it goes." Jones will need time to regain full form after missing offseason practice, but the stakes are high as every snap in camp counts.
Defensive concerns linger as well, with cornerback Jaylon Johnson sidelined on the non-football injury list due to a leg injury sustained during personal training. His absence places added pressure on the defensive secondary, but the team’s focus remains on continuous improvement. "The focus for us is going to be on continuous improvement, all right? Really, for the next six weeks that’s all we care about is getting a little bit better every single day, day by day, brick by brick and that starts today," Johnson remarked.
Beyond on-field matters, the Bears’ front office shows stability and commitment to the new direction. GM Ryan Poles was rewarded with a contract extension through 2029, matching the timeline of Johnson’s deal. This alignment signals a long-term vision for the franchise, centered on developing Williams and building a competitive team.
While skeptics continue to question Williams’ readiness and the Bears’ overall prospects, the pieces are falling into place for a potential breakout season. The quarterback’s improved late-season form in 2024, combined with a revamped offensive line, new coaching leadership, and fresh offensive talent, create a compelling narrative. Can Caleb Williams transform from a rookie with promise into a franchise cornerstone? The 2025 season will reveal if the Bears’ gamble pays off.
As training camp progresses and the preseason games loom, all eyes will be on Williams and his quest to reach that elusive 70% completion rate and break the 4,000-yard passing barrier. Success in these areas could lift the Bears from the shadows of last year’s struggles and ignite a new era in Chicago football.
