Caleb Williams Just Showed the Biggest Sign Yet of His Development
When the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals shared a practice field in August 2024, Caleb Williams was a hyped rookie taking his first steps against an opposing NFL defense in driving rain at Halas Hall.
Fast-forward two years to August 2026 in Cincinnati, and the landscape around Williams has shifted dramatically.
Now an established starter operating Ben Johnson's high-powered offense, Williams once again stacked his talents against Zac Taylor's Bengals.
By incorporating specific takeaways from the original 2024 session alongside his 2026 performance, we get a clear look into his development as a franchise quarterback.
2024: Navigating the Elements and Initial Rookie Flash
Williams was attempting to acclimate to NFL speed under head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron's flawed offense. Near-constant rain forced fan attendance to be canceled at Halas Hall, setting up a slick, wet outdoor workout for both Williams and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
According to reports, Williams' session started on a rough note when Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt intercepted his very first pass during 7-on-7 drills.
Williams quickly rebounded. In 11-on-11 drills, he threw a precise 8-yard touchdown fade to Keenan Allen in the back left corner of the end zone. He followed up with additional red-zone touchdown passes to both Allen and DJ Moore.
The 2024 practice showcased Williams' resilience and composure. Williams proved he could shake off an immediate giveaway, adjust to adverse weather, and deliver precise red-zone strikes against an opposing first-string secondary.
These were things that became more apparent this past season with his ability to avoid sacks, make off-schedule plays, and also have that "lock-in" factor late in games, regardless of how he performed previously.
2026: High-Octane Precision Meets Practice Aggression
Two years later at Paycor Stadium, Williams arrived leading an offense packed with high-end playmakers like tight end Colston Loveland, wideout Rome Odunze, and dynamic target Kalif Raymond.
Under head coach Ben Johnson, the goal was no longer about establishing basic comfort; it was about testing boundaries in situational football.
According to reports, Williams was electric inside the 20-yard line, completing 10 consecutive passes at one point during 11-on-11s. He threw three red-zone touchdowns, including a seam route to Loveland in tight coverage and additional scoring passes to Raymond and Kaden Davis.
Cincinnati's defensive front, led by Dexter Lawrence II and edge rusher Myles Murphy, collapsed Chicago's protection on several sets of downs, forcing Williams to scramble and make split-second decisions.
In 4-minute and 2-minute drills, Williams pushed the envelope downfield. Dexter Lawrence intercepted a tipped screen pass, and Jalen Davis caught a tipped pass off back-to-back sacks by Murphy to end the final drive. Williams finished 16-of-26 with 3 TDs and 2 late INTs.
Williams finished 16-of-26 with 3 TDs and 2 late INTs.
The two late interceptions shouldn't erase what was otherwise an impressive day, particularly given the aggressive nature of joint practices. Still, the interceptions are worth noting because they show Williams is not yet operating without mistakes, even as his overall command of the offense appears to have improved.
What Changed from 2024 to 2026?
The biggest difference isn't simply that Williams threw more touchdowns in 2026. It's that he looked more comfortable operating the offense, attacking tight windows, and responding to pressure.
In 2024, Williams was learning how to handle NFL defenses and showed flashes of the quarterback Chicago hoped it was drafting. Two years later, those flashes are becoming part of his normal operation.
His 2024 Bengals practice was defined by mechanical consistency, wet-weather resilience, and rebuilding confidence after an early error. The 2026 session showcased a more experienced quarterback pushing boundaries inside Ben Johnson's system.
Progressing from basic red-zone fade routes to complex seam and movement concepts, Williams has transitioned from merely avoiding mistakes to embracing intentional aggression in situational drills, manipulating defenders, testing tight windows, and trusting his ability to make plays.
The Bengals practices don't prove Williams is ready for an MVP-caliber season, but they do provide another piece of evidence that the quarterback entering 2026 is considerably more experienced and refined than the rookie who took the field two years ago.
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