Caleb Williams took a major step forward in his development as the Chicago Bears’ starting quarterback during Wednesday’s mandatory minicamp at Halas Hall. In what many are calling his best practice yet, the rookie led a 94-yard two-minute drill, finishing it with a touchdown pass to rookie running back Kyle Monangai.
The moment stood out not just for its execution but for what it revealed about Williams’ readiness under pressure.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged that in previous two-minute situations, the defense had often dominated. But this time, the offense found its rhythm.
“It was 90-plus yards in under a minute with no timeouts,” Johnson said. “That’s a very tough situation. So it was good to see the offense stack a few plays together.”
Earlier in the same session, Williams also connected with Olamide Zaccheaus for another touchdown, this time in the right corner of the end zone.
Johnson, who is entering his first season as the Bears’ head coach, has seen encouraging signs that Williams is growing more comfortable with the speed of the NFL. During the press conference, he noted that Williams seemed in control and poised, as if the game was slowing down for him.
Developing Trust Through One-on-One Time
One reason for this early progress may be the personalized approach Johnson is taking. Drawing from his experience with the Dolphins and Lions, Johnson believes in spending regular one-on-one time with his quarterbacks. These meetings allow for open, honest communication — something he says is hard to achieve in group settings.
“You don’t develop that trust unless you spend a lot of time together,” Johnson said. “One-on-one, the truth can come out.”
Brisker Back on the Field
Safety Jaquan Brisker, who missed the final stretch of last season due to a concussion, returned to practice and spoke with emotion about getting back on the field.
“I love playing football,” Brisker said. “There are so many people who want to be in this position. I’m blessed just to be here.”
Johnson was already familiar with Brisker from his time in Detroit and always viewed him as a physical, high-impact player in the run game. While it’s still early and players aren’t in full pads, the coaching staff can already see his energy returning.
Stevenson Embracing New Defensive Scheme
Third-year cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is another player drawing attention. At 6 feet tall and 214 pounds, his size and aggression make him a strong candidate for press man coverage, a key feature of Dennis Allen’s defensive system. According to Johnson, Stevenson has been eager to adapt to the new scheme.
“He’s not afraid, and he’s got some length,” Johnson said. “That’s what we’re looking for, guys who’ll challenge and get hands on receivers.”
For Stevenson, the man-to-man focus fits perfectly with his mindset. He said the scheme removes guesswork and lets players show how hard they’ve worked in the offseason.
A Promising Start, But Still Early
It’s just one minicamp practice, and Williams still has a long way to go. But the 94-yard scoring drive wasn’t just a highlight; it was a glimpse of what the Bears are hoping to build around him. For now, it’s a strong signal that Chicago’s first overall pick is starting to settle in; and that this new coaching regime might be the right fit to unlock his full potential.
All eyes will now turn to training camp, where the real tests begin.
