HITTING THE MARK: Ben Johnson Expects Big Jump in Caleb Williams’ Completion Percentage | CHGO Bears

CHGO Chicago Bears Podcast1h 18mMarch 31, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The CHGO Bears podcast dives deep into the latest insights from head coach Ben Johnson and GM Ryan Poles following the NFL owners meetings, with a central focus on quarterback Caleb Williams' projected 70% completion percentage goal for the 2026 season. Hosts Gregory P. Allen Braggs and Adam Hogue break down Johnson’s emphasis on offensive precision—highlighting improvements in timing, footwork, ball placement, and route execution—as key to unlocking elite performance. They stress that the 70% target includes drops and throwaways, making it a true measure of elite quarterbacking. The episode also explores Williams’ leadership growth, body language development, and the strong rapport with Johnson, who praised their shared competitive mindset. On defense, Ryan Poles reaffirms a 'best player available' draft strategy, despite ongoing concerns about the defensive line and secondary depth. The hosts express cautious optimism, especially around the center position with Garrett Bradbury’s arrival, and highlight the importance of offseason development leading into OTAs on April 20th. The show closes with personal reflections, humor, and a nostalgic story from Braggs about his middle school basketball rejection.

Key Takeaways
1

Ben Johnson has set a 70% completion percentage goal for Caleb Williams, which includes drops and throwaways—making it a true elite benchmark.

2

The Bears are focusing on microscopic improvements in timing, footwork, and ball placement through self-scouting and offseason work.

3

Caleb Williams has evolved into a vocal, confident leader, with Ben Johnson crediting his growth in body language and on-field demeanor.

4

Ryan Poles is committed to a 'best player available' draft strategy, even if it means not addressing immediate needs like pass rush.

5

Garrett Bradbury is expected to seamlessly replace Drew Dahlman at center, with intelligence and game awareness being paramount.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Setting the Bar: 70% Completion Goal

We're talking about a handful of plays every game. Week by week, that's what we were doing. We're like, hey, this was a good performance. Could have been great if it was or this was a great performance. Could have been almost perfect if we just completed this one, this one and this one.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

The Details That Win Games

There's 80, 90, 100 completions we left out on the table. And I'm not just talking about passes dropped. I know that's the first thing that probably comes to mind.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Leadership and Body Language

He's in command of the huddle each and every play. You know, he's the only one speaking in the huddle each and every play. Because of that, people look to you...

Highlight
30:00
10 min

Self-Scouting and Offensive Evolution

The hosts reflect on how Ben Johnson and the staff are using self-scouting to identify missed opportunities and refine the offense, noting that the team’s explosive play success was undermined by inconsistent execution.

40:00
10 min

The Center Position and Offseason Transition

With Drew Dahlman’s retirement, the focus turns to Garrett Bradbury’s arrival at center. The hosts stress the importance of intelligence and adaptability at the position, calling it a critical foundation for the offense.

High-Impact Quotes
There's 80, 90, 100 completions we left out on the table. And I'm not just talking about passes dropped. I know that's the first thing that probably comes to mind.
Ben Johnson8:33
Viral: 90.0
We're talking about a handful of plays every game. Week by week, that's what we were doing. We're like, hey, this was a good performance. Could have been great if it was or this was a great performance. Could have been almost perfect if we just completed this one, this one and this one.
Gregory P. Allen Braggs10:46
Viral: 85.0
The Bears are just in a different world right now with how they're operating from a football standpoint.
Gregory P. Allen Braggs16:10
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Hosts

Gregory P. Allen BraggsAdam HogueJohns

Guests

Ben JohnsonRyan Poles
Topics Discussed
Quarterback Development95%Offensive Precision90%Leadership and Culture88%Center Position85%Self-Scouting82%Draft Strategy80%Team Chemistry78%Player Accountability70%
People & Brands

Chicago Bears

other

45xPositive

Gregory P. Allen Braggs

person

32xPositive

Ben Johnson

person

28xPositive

Caleb Williams

person

25xPositive

Adam Hogue

person

18xPositive

Johns

person

16xPositive

Ryan Poles

person

15xPositive

Garrett Bradbury

person

12xPositive

Hogan Johns

media

12xPositive

Xfinity

brand

10xPositive

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