With Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams out due to a hamstring injury, 38-year-old backup Case Keenum stepped up and handled the assignment of replacing him. Keenum, a very different-style quarterback than Williams, delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 247 passing yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Keenum also scored a goal-line rushing touchdown to add to his memorable evening.
Most importantly, he led Chicago to a 27-7 win over the visiting Philadelphia Eagles in "Monday Night Football," helping the Bears improve to 2-1 amid Williams' injury absence. After the game, his head coach, Ben Johnson, answered a question about calling plays for a quarterback like Keenum compared to Williams, who is "a bit more mobile." Johnson smirked a bit during the reporter's question before referring back to his time as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator from 2022 to 2024. More news: Eagles HC Nick Sirianni Regrets Costly Decision in Loss to Bears "Well, I've got a little history with that, of calling plays for someone not so mobile," Johnson said, drawing chuckles from people in the room for his media session.
"Now I don't have a history for someone who's not a number one pick, though," the Bears coach added. "That was apparently a big deal." The Detroit Times' video clip on X received attention and reactions from many commenters, who expressed frustration over Johnson's perceived shot at Lions quarterback Jared Goff. "Shading Goff didn't go unnoticed.
I can't wait to beat the Bears twice this year...again," one commenter wrote. "He is on cloud nine right now and feels the need to disrespect Goff every chance he gets. Pride comes before the fall," another commenter said.
"Why does he say it like that? I mean it's a fact but he again made it sound really disrespectful," one individual commented. Another said, "That may be true, but Goff is one of the most accurate passers under pressure- I’ll take that skill anytime." Both the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears are off to 2-1 starts in the NFC North and are trailing the 3-0 Minnesota Vikings.
All three teams have very different quarterback situations, with the Bears currently relying on their backup while Williams recovers. Williams is known for his ability to scramble and rush for first downs or touchdowns when necessary, but that might change once he returns from his hamstring injury. He suffered that injury on a non-contact play while appearing to rush towards the end zone during a rainy Week 2 game against the Vikings.
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