Devin Bush shares his impression of Bears QB Caleb Williams

There are two things that have been consistently true this preseason for the Chicago Bears. The first is that quarterback Caleb Williams has steadily received praise from inside and out of the organization as he looks to ascend in Year 2 under Ben Johnson.

The second is that new linebacker Devin Bush has been handing out compliments to many of his new teammates and coaches. It was only a matter of time before those two concepts intersected with one another. Bush had high praise for his new quarterback this week, speaking largely to the intangible qualities that Williams possesses.

“His presence on the field is huge, and just the way he carries himself, he carries the offense,” Bush said. “He’s always looking for ways to attack the defense, stretch the field, and make a play. His IQ and playmaking ability really get us ready.”

<1 / 53

<2 / 53

<3 / 53

<4 / 53

<5 / 53

<6 / 53

<7 / 53

<8 / 53

<9 / 53

<10 / 53

<11 / 53

<12 / 53

<13 / 53

<14 / 53

<15 / 53

<16 / 53

<17 / 53

<18 / 53

<19 / 53

<20 / 53

<21 / 53

<22 / 53

<23 / 53

<24 / 53

<25 / 53

<26 / 53

<27 / 53

<28 / 53

<29 / 53

<30 / 53

<31 / 53

<32 / 53

<33 / 53

<34 / 53

<35 / 53

<36 / 53

<37 / 53

<38 / 53

<39 / 53

<40 / 53

<41 / 53

<42 / 53

<43 / 53

<44 / 53

<45 / 53

<46 / 53

<47 / 53

<48 / 53

<49 / 53

<50 / 53

<51 / 53

<52 / 53

<53 / 53

Obviously, some of the elements that Bush noted play out in a more concrete way than others. We see the manifestation of IQ and playmaking when instinct takes over for Williams. But the components around Williams’ presence and how he carries himself are massive as he grows more confident in Johnson’s system.

It’s one thing to experience the statistical jump that Williams did in 2025. That much was at least an important indicator of continued development. Hearing from fresh eyes in Bush — especially one who saw the other end of the spectrum of quarterback play the last two seasons in Cleveland — speaks to some of the other factors that will allow for Williams to grow in the position to which we as outside observers are not always privy.

Given where some of the concerns exist with this roster at present, it’s fairly clear that there is going to be a certain onus on the offense to find its footing quickly, both within games and in the broader context of the start of the new season. If Bush’s early observations of Williams are any indication, then that pressure will be well met.