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Ben Johnson Details Strengthened Bond With Caleb Williams as Bears Eye 49ers Test

The coach is emphasizing San Francisco’s high-effort defensive style as the next measuring stick for his quarterback.

Overview

  • The Bears are 11-4 with a playoff berth secured, one win from the NFC North title, and still in play for the NFC’s top seed depending on other results.
  • Johnson says daily one-on-one time built transparency with Williams, noting they are "mentally very similar" and share the same competitive goals.
  • Williams acknowledged their rapport felt "pretty fragile" in training camp, while Johnson stressed he treats the quarterback like any player focused on maximizing development.
  • Williams leads the NFL with six game-winning drives and has posted 3,400 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions through 15 games, reflecting significant Year 2 growth.
  • Previewing Week 17, Johnson highlighted the 49ers’ relentless defensive effort and unique front as a focal challenge for Chicago’s offense in a matchup with seeding implications for both teams.