Bears sit Caleb Williams, split on starting QB vs.
Bears Weigh Quarterback Choice After Keenum’s Breakthrough Night
Bharatmorningnews.com – Chicago enters its Week 4 home game against the New York Jets with uncertainty at quarterback, even after Case Keenum delivered one of the Bears’ most convincing performances of the young season. Caleb Williams has been ruled out with a strained hamstring for a second consecutive game, but coach Ben Johnson has not selected whether Keenum or Tyson Bagent will start on Sunday.
Keenum, a longtime NFL veteran, helped Chicago defeat Philadelphia 27-7 on Monday night. He threw for 247 yards and was responsible for three touchdowns, becoming the second Bears quarterback to guide the team to a victory this season. Williams had previously won a game before his hamstring injury sidelined him.
Johnson said the decision remains unsettled, and the coaching staff does not share a single view on the best choice.
“I don’t necessarily know there is a right answer or a wrong answer,” Johnson said.
The Bears coach said his assistants are evenly divided over which quarterback should face the Jets. Keenum’s strong showing against the Eagles came after Bagent spent much of the prior week in concussion protocol. Bagent had claimed the backup role during training camp, yet he made clear that he is not trying to displace Keenum after Monday’s performance.
“There’s a couple ways to think about it. Obviously, I would like everything that the football world can offer me. But then there’s also the part that I am from Shepherd University, so I have absolutely zero ego in this and nobody is a bigger cheerleader and a fan of Case Keenum than I am,” Bagent said. “I think he is the epitome of what I believe a quarterback is and is supposed to be. So it was fun to watch him play.”
Chicago’s Confidence Extends Beyond the Starter
The quarterback question is significant, but Chicago’s players have expressed confidence in the broader offense regardless of who takes the first snap. Johnson said the mood inside the locker room suggests the Bears believe they are in a strong position with either Keenum or Bagent leading the unit.
Running back D’Andre Swift echoed that outlook, pointing to the trust players have in both available options.
“Whoever they put out there, we have the utmost belief that they’re going to be able to get the job done,” Swift said.
The Bears also received major help from their defense against Philadelphia. Chicago forced three turnovers, returning to the disruptive and opportunistic approach that allowed the unit to lead the NFL in takeaways last season. T.J. Edwards and Dillon Thieneman each intercepted a pass, while Xavier Woods recovered a fumble.
That defensive pressure could be especially important against a Jets offense dealing with several injuries. Chicago will nevertheless be short-handed in its own lineup. Williams will remain unavailable, along with left tackle Braxton Jones, defensive lineman Shemar Turner, linebacker Noah Sewell and defensive back Kyler Gordon. Nickel back Cam Lewis is listed as doubtful.
Jets Seek to Halt Two-Game Slide
New York arrives in Chicago following back-to-back defeats, losing by a combined 10 points to the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. The Jets fell 31-24 at Detroit last Sunday, a game in which quarterback Geno Smith completed 31 of 37 passes for 321 yards and three touchdowns.
Smith, who owns a 75.5% completion rate, connected for touchdowns with Garrett Wilson, rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq and tight end Jeremy Ruckert against the Lions. His efficiency gives New York a dangerous passing element, but the Jets will be missing several offensive contributors in Chicago.
Running back Breece Hall was ruled out after suffering a quad injury in Detroit. Hall has run for only 61 yards on 29 carries since opening the season with 102 yards on 22 attempts. His absence likely increases the responsibilities for Braelon Allen, while Isaiah Davis may also become part of the backfield rotation. Davis has not yet recorded a carry this season.
The Jets will also be without wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, tight end Mason Taylor and left guard Dylan Parham. Linebacker Kiko Mauigoa has been ruled out as well. Sadiq is questionable, as is edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare.
Right tackle Armand Membou said New York’s offensive line must improve in both run blocking and quarterback protection. The Jets have struggled to consistently establish the rushing attack, and the challenge becomes greater without Hall.
“It starts with playing as five,” Membou said. “All five need to be on the same page and play more as one.”
Familiar Coaches Meet Again
New York does receive a defensive boost with Minkah Fitzpatrick cleared to play after missing the past two games. His return strengthens a secondary that may need to adjust quickly once Chicago settles on a quarterback. Whether the Bears choose Keenum’s experience or Bagent’s familiarity with the system, the Jets expect a demanding assignment.
Jets coach Aaron Glenn knows Johnson well from their time together on Dan Campbell’s Detroit staff. The pair worked alongside one another for four seasons, including three years when both held coordinator roles. Glenn described the competitive dynamic between them as a force that helped each coach develop.
“We were so competitive in how we wanted to beat each other and it made both of us better,” Glenn said. “He’s a damn good coach.”
The Jets won the most recent meeting between these teams, taking a 31-10 victory over visiting Chicago in Week 12 of the 2022 season. This matchup carries a different set of circumstances: Chicago is deciding between two healthy quarterbacks while waiting for Williams’ return, and New York is trying to steady its offense amid mounting injuries.
For the Bears, the choice at quarterback will shape the week’s story. Keenum’s performance against Philadelphia gives Johnson a proven recent result to consider, while Bagent remains a respected option who earned the No. 2 job in camp. Either way, Chicago believes it has enough support across the roster to handle the challenge posed by the Jets.
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