Bears’ Ryan Poles sends Caleb Williams strategic ‘papercuts’ message

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams came into the 2026 season on a wave of hype. He then followed through by leading a 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers. But Williams still isn’t a finished project and is trying to reach the highest ceiling possible.

One clear area of improvement Chicago is looking for is the quarterback’s completion percentage. He had a mark of just 58.1 in 2025. For all his flash plays, the Bears want Williams to be more consistent overall.

In Week, the QB passed the test in that regard, holding a completion percentage of 72.4. If Williams can stay around that 70 percent mark, the Bears believe their offense will become only more dangerous.

Head coach Ben Johnson certainly has some ideas to keep the percentage up. General manager Ryan Poles has delivered some insight as well.

Bears’ Caleb Williams must deliver paper cuts

Chicago Bears Caleb Williams — Dec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs with the ball and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (75) watches the play against Green Bay Packers defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. (57) during overtime at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Williams is already considered one of the best playmakers in the league. Plays like his deep pass to Rome Odunze or touchdown throw to Cole Kmet will draw the most headlines. But Poles knows that isn’t the only way to succeed.

If Williams can deliver ‘papercuts,’ the defense will be just as spent. Poles wants the quarterback to focus on those checkdown and short yardage throws. Don’t take away the big plays, just make the common ones a thing of second nature, via Kevin Fishbain of the Athletic.

“It’s now can you cause death by (1,000) paper cuts and checkdowns, quick game and stay on the sticks and stay on schedule?” Poles told The Athletic. “I think that in itself is going to put teams in a really big bind because at some point you’re going to have to react to that and adjust. And then that’s going to open up things, and Ben is going to be ready for it and then you counter that.”

Williams was willing to take that suggestion, as evidence by his elevated completion percentage. The Bears now want to see that style of play worked into his repertoire more regularly.

Chicago’s offense is a tall task when Williams is running out of the pocket, looking downfield. What will opposing defenses do if the Bears can’t be stopped on the easy throws either?

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