The Chicago Bears‘ 2025 NFC North championship season was a masterclass in offensive evolution.
In his first season at the helm, head coach Ben Johnson crafted a system that magnified the impact of quarterback Caleb Williams’ athleticism, before later in the season leaning on the young passer’s ability to carve up defenses on the run via the passing game, taking advantage of an explosive young collection of weapons such as wide receiver Rome Odunze, and rookies like running back Kyle Monangai, wide receiver Luther Burden, and tight end Colston Loveland as a multi-faceted offensive attack
By pairing a reinforced offensive line with a system that emphasized efficiency, Chicago was able to cut Williams’ sack total from 68 as a rookie to just 24 last season, and produce a passing game that led the charge to a division title and playoff victory.
How NFL defenses are gearing up to stop Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams
Dec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) prepares to throw a pass and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (75) blocks against Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary (52) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
However, as Williams’ star rises, so does the urgency for opposing defensive coordinators to find an answer for his “clutch gene.” While Williams nearly reached the 4,000-yard passing milestone, his greatest threat remains his ability to create “off-schedule” magic when the pocket collapses—a trait that fueled seven comeback victories in 2025.
According to one AFC Scouting Director, the league is already developing a specific tactical response to keep Williams from breaking games open with his legs and vision outside the structure of the play.
“I think you’re starting to see it,” an AFC Scouting Director told Between The Hashmarks. “With undersized speed rushers like Micah Parsons and last year the way the Giants deployed Abdul Carter, they were positioning them all over the front.
“You’re going to see teams try to keep him in the pocket, make him move in the pocket, up the pocket, and force him to run downfield instead of outside the tackles. It’s going to require containing the edges more, but also deploying those undersized rushers from a stack position all over the front.”
As the Bears head into 2026, the chess match between Johnson’s play-calling and these evolving “contain” schemes will determine if Chicago can maintain its status as an NFC powerhouse, or even take the next step towards bringing a Lombardi back to Chicago.
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