Since the spring, quarterbacks coach J.
T. Barrett has noticed gradual improvement with Williams’ ball location, an encouraging sign as the Bears equip their franchise quarterback to boost his completion percentage and the overall production of the passing attack. As much as anything, Barrett has loved Williams’ buy-in to exactly what the coaching staff wants and his understanding of why it’s important. Last year, the drive for greater passing precision was sometimes met with slight pushback, with Williams either breezing past specific criticisms or pointing out when his pass catchers failed to bring in a ball they should have grabbed. Again, the goal isn’t just completions. It’s completions that produce the maximum possible gain, which is why Bears coaches talk so much to all their quarterbacks about consistently delivering a “runner’s ball” that allows the recipient to go to work after the catch. The Bears are confident they are unlocking a new level of production for Williams with the quarterback himself continuing to take ownership with ball location. During camp, it has been evident.