The Chicago Bears have made a strategic choice in hiring Ben Johnson as their new head coach, a move they hope will elevate quarterback Caleb Williams’ performance beyond his rookie year. But Johnson’s coaching isn’t just limited to the x’s and o’s; he’s addressing a crucial aspect that often gets overlooked in football—body language.
In a recent press conference, Johnson emphasized that he’s been working closely with Williams to improve his reactions during tough moments. It’s about more than just reading a defense or making a throw; it’s about maintaining a positive presence on the field, even when the play doesn’t go as planned. “We need to avoid sending a ‘woe is me’ message,” Johnson said, highlighting the importance of a team-wide mentality that focuses on moving forward instead of dwelling on mistakes.
Early in the offseason, Johnson initiated a productive dialogue with Williams, reviewing tape from last season. They openly discussed the image the team projected and whether it aligned with their goals. They reached a consensus: the team’s demeanor should reflect resilience and readiness to tackle the next challenge, not lingering doubt. Johnson firmly stated, “We don’t want to be a palms-up team where we’re questioning everything. No, no, no — that’s a little sign of weakness. We want to display strength and determination.”
For the Bears, the expectation is that with this shift in mindset, the improvement in body language will naturally follow, especially if they can reduce the adverse situations players face on the field. If Johnson and Williams hit the right notes, the team’s perception and reaction could transform significantly by 2025, setting a tone of optimism and confidence moving forward. This approach could be pivotal for the Bears as they look to rebuild and reestablish their competitive edge in the league.
