Bears personnel says growing pains of training camp part of the learning process

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (WAND) - As the Chicago Bears entered training camp this year, they did so under immense pressure from fans to demonstrate more success on the offensive side of the ball.

After drafting quarterback Caleb Williams first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, there were high hopes he would be the face of the Bears' franchise moving forward. In year one, it was assumed the transition between the college level to the pros would have some bumps in the road. Still, frustrations grew as Chicago finished near the bottom of the list in passing yards (3,552) and yards per attempt (6.3).

Entering the 2025 season, new head coach Ben Johnson (former Lions offensive coordinator) is doing his part to turn the team in the right direction. Through three days of camp, however, it is evident that the offense is still getting adjusted.

"Any time you're out there, they're all teaching moments," said Bears' offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. "We're trying to be positive with our players. We're trying to ask them and be detailed and demanding about what we're going to ask them to do."

On Friday, Williams went 0/5 in the 7-on-7 session of practice, throwing interceptions on back-to-back plays. Team personnel say they are working on the timing of routes in Johnson's playbook, but it's also a credit to the skill of the defensive unit.

"I mean, it's been a good three days," said wide receiver DJ Moore. "We had a few hiccups. Defense was getting the better of us with the picks, but, it all comes with the days."

Doyle adds that Williams has been working hard at learning the pre-snap calls and schemes, becoming more efficient at relaying the playcalls to the huddle. Offensive lineman Joe Thuney joked that his quarterback has big ears - not literally but figuratively.

"He does a great job," Thuney said. "He listens a lot, he's been great."

Williams and the Bears' first team offense bounced back during full-team reps inside the red zone, having more success through the air and on the ground. The third team also demonstrated more consistent progression, with backup QB Tyson Bagent connecting with his targets in space with ease.

One player who reeled in several catches was undrafted free agent JP Richardson from TCU. The wide receiver has been one of the major talking points in the early stages of camp as an unexpected weapon who could find himself on the roster and seeing more opportunities as he improves.

"“JP is a guy that has come in here and been very intentional about learning the playbook," said Doyle. "The first thing is always if you know what to do. At that point in time, you unlock your ability to show off your ability. He's done a really good job of coming in and learning it. He’s an athletic guy. He has a little bit of a twitch to him in the route tree. Through the first three days, it's been fun to see.”

There are still several weeks before the Bears kick off their preseason against the Miami Dolphins on August 10. Team members and fans are hopeful the offense can begin trending in a positive direction as the season nears closer.