Ben Johnson loves the opportunity to ‘change the narrative’ about Bears quarterbacks

The Bears had OTA day number two at Halas Hall today and the media were present.

Last week’s buzz around the Chicago Bears was all about the soon-to-be-released book from ESPN’s Seth Wickersham, which features some quotes from Caleb and his father Carl Williams related to the lead-up to the 2024 NFL Draft. None of it was new to anyone paying attention, but the timing of it did drum up some concern from many.

The good thing about the news cycle of the NFL’s offseason is that most stories have a short shelf life thanks to minicamps and OTAs, so with the Bears back at Halas Hall today, it gave the franchise a chance to address it and then turn the page. Caleb wasn’t made available to the media today, so we’ll have to wait for his thoughts on the book, but head coach Ben Johnson wasted little time addressing the situation.

“It’s come to my attention that the quarterback’s been out in the media over the last week,” Johnson said in his opening remarks at his press conference. “And just to get out in front of that a little bit, I just wanted to say I wasn’t here last year, so I can’t speak too much in terms of what it was like before he got here and when he got here last year, but from my four months on the job, he’s been outstanding to work with, and we are just focused on getting a little better every day.”

Johnson was asked about the quote in the book from Caleb Williams’ dad, saying that Chicago is where quarterbacks go to die, and he expressed excitement over what he and Caleb can build.

“I love it. I love it. I love the opportunity to come on in and change that narrative,” Johnson said. That’s where great stories are written, and so we’re looking to write a new chapter here, 2025 Chicago Bears, and looking forward to the future.”

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There were a few players absent today including nickle Kyler Gordon, wideout Luther Burden, safety Elijah Hicks, corner Terell Smith, defensive linemen Zacch Pickens and Andrew Billings, and offensive linemen Braxton Jones and Ryan Bates. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland was present but was still sidelined.

With Jones still rehabbing, the starting left tackle was Kiran Amegadjie, with rookie Ozzy Trapilo working with the second unit.

Here are a few Tweets from the beat who were at Halas Hall today covering practice. Keep in mind, it was the second time the full squad was together for an OTA.

Not unexpected: #Bears pre-snap was a little sloppy today.

Notable: Ben Johnson wasn’t having it.

I asked him after practice if that level of agitation was normal for him. He smiled and said: “You saw agitation today?”

“Yeah, I thought that was normal. I’ll work to get my body language under control. I’m talking about that with the players, so I need to do a better job myself. I’m on it.”

Just a few takeaways from today’s practice for the #Bears:

– I wouldn’t say it was a great or bad day for Caleb Williams. He made some nice throws, connecting with DJ Moore on a few throws to the sideline. There was a few times maybe he held the ball or the defense had it covered down the field. They don’t call sacks and let plays go in these drills.

– Noah Sewell is competing for that third linebacker spot. Noticed him a few times out there.

– Shemar Turner beat the LG on a rep and was in the backfield quick on a play. It was an impressive play.

– No. 2 QB battle between Keenum and Bagent is something to watch.

If you saw anything else that caught your eye on social media, be sure to share it in the comment section below.