Caleb Williams sets ambitious goal for 2026 Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears' playoff exit may have stung, but it has also set the stage for a bold offensive vision under head coach Ben Johnson. After a heart-wrenching 20-17 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round, the focus has already shifted to improvement, and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams is embracing the challenge.

Williams, in a recent appearance on The Rush With Maxx Crosby podcast, expressed his determination to elevate the Bears' offense in his second season under Johnson.

"I really want to become the greatest offense this year," Williams said, "That's really on my mind. Being able to find ways to put up points every single time we're out there."

The statistical foundation for that ambition is already strong. The Johnson-led Bears finished the 2025 regular season sixth in total yards per game with 369.2 and ninth in scoring, averaging 25.9 points per contest.

Williams himself was instrumental in the team's resilience, engineering seven comeback wins after trailing in the fourth quarter, including a wild-card playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers.

Soldier Field and the Chicago sports culture

For Williams, the playoff atmosphere was an eye-opener, even if their journey ended in defeat.

The city of Chicago, with its rich sports history - from the 1990s Bulls dynasty to the Cubs' World Series triumph in 2016 - has a unique energy that left a lasting impression on the young quarterback.

"It's a Bears city," Williams said on the podcast. "I didn't realize it until probably this year, to be honest with you.

"I'm excited to get back, especially after the work, seeing the work, feeling the work, going through the tough [parts] of last year.

"But also going through the tough [parts] of this year, with a new coach, tough coach, having to learn so much. And the benefits of it... winning, it's one of the best feelings in the world."

Maxx Crosby to strengthen the Bears' cause?

Interestingly, the team could see further roster movement that impacts Williams' vision. Maxx Crosby has been mentioned as a potential trade target for the Bears if he requests a move from the Las Vegas Raiders.

While the specifics of their conversation were private, it hints at a possible synergy that could bolster Chicago's defensive and offensive balance heading into 2026.

Williams' commitment to becoming the greatest offense in the league will be tested not just by opponents, but by how well the team integrates new strategies, personnel, and coaching philosophies under Johnson.

The combination of Soldier Field energy, offseason roster adjustments, and Williams' leadership could set the stage for a Bears team ready to make noise in 2026.