The Chicago Bears are entering a new era, full of optimism, expectations, and most notably – quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson.

Though Johnson only joined the Bears last month, he has already made an impact as someone unafraid to speak his mind. He first took a jab at the Green Bay Packers during his introductory press conference, and now, he’s taken a subtle, yet pointed shot at his former quarterback and now-division rival, Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions.

Speaking to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, the fresh-faced Bears head coach shared his admiration for his new quarterback while indirectly throwing shade at his previous signal caller.

“Look, Caleb is extremely talented. His ability to operate outside the structure, make off-schedule plays, that’s what stands out the most because that’s where the league is heading.

While you’d love everything to go according to progression – 1, 2, 3 – the variety in the game is too much; pass-rushes are coming faster. Having an athlete like Caleb who can extend plays and potentially create big plays down the field, that excites me.

I get pumped just thinking about it because I haven’t been around that kind of talent in my time in the league. But I’ve been on the other side, and it’s demoralizing watching that happen to your defense.”

Johnson, who previously spent three years as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, where he helped Detroit become a top-four offense in each of the last three seasons – ranking in the top two in both 2023 and 2024 – is clearly enthusiastic about Williams’ ability.

However, by pointing out how he’s never had a quarterback who can extend plays and generate off-schedule success, Johnson is clearly throwing a harsh jab at the 4-time Pro Bowler, Goff. Goff, despite his impressive career, including two conference championships and a Super Bowl appearance, is not known for his ability to make dynamic plays with his feet.

That said, it’s not as if Goff is a statue-like QB like Tom Brady or Troy Aikman, relying solely on his offensive line and scheme to get the ball downfield. Goff has demonstrated time and again that he can perform under pressure, even if he sometimes struggles with turnovers.

This subtle dig, however, will certainly fuel the fire for both the Lions and Goff, who will be eager to prove the Bears head coach wrong when the two teams meet again soon.