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'Goofy' Caleb Williams Gives Way to More Focused Bears Quarterback

The Bears QB is impressing coach Ben Johnson and GM Ryan Poles with the way he has taken ownership of the team and is no longer being "goofy."
Gene Chamberlain|
Caleb Williams isn't all business now but he's pretty focused going into Year 2 under Ben Johnson.
Caleb Williams isn't all business now but he's pretty focused going into Year 2 under Ben Johnson. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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Chicago Bears


Caleb Williams in Year 3 is a more serious guy.

The Bears QB hasn't scrapped smiles for furrowed brows, but even as he urges teammates to celebrate big plays more Williams is taking a more mature approach in Year 2 of working with coach Ben Johnson.

"I think the first year, he was white-knuckling the whole time, trying to figure it out, trying to do it right," Bears GM Ryan Poles said. "He continues to do that, wanting to do it right, but I think you see that joy back in his game where he's playing free.

"I think he sees and identifies where he comes up short faster than when he did before. I think that's where him and Ben are continuing to work really well together, trying to get better every single day."

Perhaps Johnson does see more joy there but also sees his quarterback as more mature and focused on what's going on, whether on the field or sidelines.

"I've seen a very composed person every time he steps into the building," Johnson said. "This guy, you know, might have had a little bit of goofy to him a year ago, and I use that term with love. And now you just see a more serious player and intent every time I'm around him. And I think his teammates feel that as well.

"He's getting to the practice field early. He's making sure his part is taken care of. He's warmed up, he's ready to go. He stays after with the guys, after practice. I think you guys see that on a regular basis. So he's taking a lot of pride in his approach right now, and it trickles down to everyone around him."

Bye bye goof

It's a natural progression as Williams becomes more of the leader of the group.

But goofy?

"He’s got his blinders on and he’s only concerned about doing his job at a high level," Johnson added. "And there were some times where maybe a year ago, you get sidetracked or distracted a little bit. Yet, this year, that has not been the case.

"This guy, he’s serious about his approach, his job and making sure he’s taking his game to the next level."

The goofy Williams probably left about the same time the Iceman arrived last year. It's a natural progression for a quarterback who has started 34 games and turns 25 in November.

The real joy will be even more apparent if the winning continues at an even greater level. Fun doesn't have to mean being goofy. Success can generate smiles as well.

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Gene Chamberlain
GENE CHAMBERLAIN

Gene Chamberlain has covered the Chicago Bears full time as a beat writer since 1994 and prior to this on a part-time basis for 10 years. He covered the Bears as a beat writer for Suburban Chicago Newspapers, the Daily Southtown, Copley News Service and has been a contributor for the Daily Herald, the Associated Press, Bear Report, CBS Sports.com and The Sporting News. He also has worked a prep sports writer for Tribune Newspapers and Sun-Times newspapers.

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