Bears HC Ben Johnson used one word to describe Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has built a strong bond with Caleb Williams on an off the field. He has seen firsthand what the star quarterback is capable of during games and described him in one word.

The Bears opened their 2026 regular season with a statement 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Williams shined by completing 21-of-passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He added 10 rushing attempts for 65 yards and two scores. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner consistently made big plays and his passes were pinpoint.

Williams earned a 124.1 passer rating and continued to silence his critics. He is aiming to lead Chicago to more success and surpass last year’s achievements. The team won the NFC North in 2025 with an 11-6 record and reached the Divisional Round.

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson discusses Caleb Williams’ skill set

Johnson appeared on ESPN Chicago on Monday. The show’s hot, Jeff Joniak, asked him about his skill set, particularly his throw to Kalif Raymond while scrambling to his left.

“He’s a freak,” Johnson said. “That’s the only way you can say. His body throughout middle school, high school (and) college, that’s what he showed his whole life and and so now we really challenged him to harness that from what we put on tape a year ago. Every time we break the tackle box, just coming to life as route runners and making sure that we capitalize on opportunities down the field. I thought he had a really nice balance yesterday, not only of knowing when to be aggressive and throw the ball down the field at certain times. He had that one.

“Rome (Odunze) had a little bit of a broken coverage (for) example where he ended up going up and getting that ball. We had another one that was really close to being caught on the right side there as well. But the mix between being aggressive, throwing the ball and then using his legs, I thought that was really good for a start.”

Ben Johnson Calls Caleb Williams a “FREAK” After Unreal Throw!!

FULL CONVERSATION WITH BEN JOHNSON: https://t.co/SxMP3k5SNG #Bears #DaBears #BenJohnson #NFL #Football pic.twitter.com/J1Zm7viiXQ

— ESPN Chicago (@ESPN1000) September 14, 2026

Johnson, Williams and the Bears will play their Week 2 game on Sunday versus the Minnesota Vikings. It’s also their home opener at Soldier Field, and first of a three-game homestand.