Ben Johnson's first year in Chicago wasn't just about Caleb Williams. The Bears completely rebuilt their offense, focusing on establishing a strong running game despite numerous challenges.

The offensive line was almost entirely new, with players unfamiliar with each other and Johnson's complex system. This led to significant growing pains, including 11 pre-snap penalties in four games and being 31st in EPA per rush.

Johnson personally installs the running game each week, emphasizing its critical importance. The system is intricate, requiring all position groups to work in harmony. Early struggles included communication breakdowns, as seen in Week 4 against the Raiders where three linemen converged on one defender while another ran free.

Despite the difficulties, the foundation was being laid for long-term success. Johnson's approach prioritizes building a complete offensive system rather than just developing the quarterback, setting the Bears up for sustained improvement beyond individual player performance.