Ben Johnson Addresses Bears' Passing Game Struggles

Ben Johnson, the head coach of the Chicago Bears, has been candid about the struggles facing the team's passing game, particularly as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Despite the Bears currently sitting at a strong 9-3 record, Johnson emphasized the need for improvement in the passing attack, making it clear that the team is winning in spite of their performance through the air, not because of it. His comments came in light of quarterback Caleb Williams' troubling statistics, including a league-low 58.1 completion percentage and a passer rating that ranks him 22nd in the NFL.

In a recent press conference, Johnson addressed Williams' accuracy issues, pointing out his completion rate dipped below 50% during their latest victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. While acknowledging the challenging wind conditions in Philadelphia, Johnson asserted that those factors could not be solely blamed for the inconsistencies in their passing game. "We got to fundamentally be correct," Johnson stated, highlighting the importance of hitting primary receivers and the need for pass catchers to adhere to route discipline. He noted that the team's wide receivers have struggled with route depth and timing, which has hindered their offensive efficiency.

Johnson has set high expectations for Williams, aiming for a completion percentage of 70%, a target that he has yet to reach in any game this season. This expectation is rooted in his previous experiences with quarterbacks like Jared Goff, who completed over 68% of his passes under Johnson's guidance in previous seasons. The Bears' passing offense currently ranks 16th in the NFL, which is concerning given their strong rushing attack that ranks second in the league.

Cole Kmet, a tight end for the Bears, echoed Johnson's sentiments, stating that facing these challenges head-on is the only way to improve. The coaching staff has been drilling the players on the importance of route precision, as inconsistent execution has been a recurring theme. Furthermore, Johnson pointed out that the Bears have dropped a significant number of passes, which compounds the challenges faced by Williams, who has seen 7.6% of his throws dropped this season.

With the Packers looming, Johnson is stressing the need for a more effective passing game to complement their successful rushing efforts. The Bears will face a tough test against a Packers defense that allows only 186.5 passing yards per game, placing them among the top defenses in the league. Johnson is urging his team to clean up their passing game to become a more balanced offensive threat, which is crucial if they want to maintain their position in the NFC playoff race. As the Bears continue to build on their season, the development of Williams as a quarterback will be pivotal in their quest for postseason success, making Johnson's focus on the passing game a critical storyline as they move forward.