Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been open about his relationship with Green Bay Packers fans, stating there is “no love lost” between them. However, Williams holds a healthy respect for his offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, with whom he is building a strong bond. As Williams prepares for his upcoming NFL season, he has also received crucial advice from Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, emphasizing the need for evolution in his second year in the league.

Stroud, speaking to profootballnetwork.com, shared insights gleaned from his own experience, noting that teams adapt to a quarterback's tendencies after their rookie season. He highlighted how defensive coordinators meticulously study game film to identify and exploit weaknesses. Stroud's own sophomore year saw a statistical dip in touchdowns (from 23 to 20) and an increase in interceptions (from five to twelve), along with fewer passing yards. Despite these changes, his team's record remained nearly identical, underscoring the complex nature of a quarterback's second season.

A critical piece of advice from Stroud to Williams focused on sack avoidance. Stroud pointed out that Williams suffered a league-leading 68 sacks in 2024, a number that needs to be drastically reduced for long-term success. Stroud urged Williams to learn to operate within the pocket and to get the ball out of his hand quickly when plays are not developing, especially against complex defensive coverages like cover four, cover two, and other two-high shells. He stressed the importance of minimizing hits to ensure durability throughout the demanding 17-18 week NFL season, plus potential playoffs. Stroud's message was clear: being smart with the ball, checking it down, and getting down to avoid unnecessary hits are vital for a long and successful career.

In response to the challenges ahead, Caleb Williams affirmed his commitment to his coaches and the Bears' staff. According to Ryan Garcia via nfl.com, Williams expressed confidence in the team's coaching structure, which he described as a mix of young and experienced personnel. He praised Ben Johnson specifically, appreciating Johnson's tough coaching style and the positive relationship they are cultivating, often sharing meals and building a bond that Williams hopes will endure. This collaborative approach with his coaching staff is expected to be a cornerstone of Williams' development as he navigates the complexities of his second NFL season.