The Unbelievable Stat Behind Ben Johnson’s Biggest Test

Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears' head coach, finds himself in an unprecedented situation as he prepares to start Case Keenum at quarterback against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. The unusual scenario arises from the fact that both Caleb Williams, the top overall pick in 2024, and Tyson Bagent, who replaced Williams late in Sunday's loss to Minnesota, are currently ineligible to start due to injury and concussion concerns, respectively.

This marks the first time in Johnson's career that he will be in charge of a quarterback who was not selected as the first overall pick in the draft.

Johnson spent three seasons in Detroit working with Jared Goff, the first pick in the 2016 draft, and has since taken over in Chicago, starting the top draft selection, Caleb Williams, in every game. Now, he faces the challenge of adapting his game plan for a quarterback without the same physical profile and draft pedigree as Goff or Williams.

The team's strength lies in their rushing attack, leading the NFL with 212.5 yards per game. D'Andre Swift has produced 169 yards through two games, while Kyle Monangai has added 147. The Philadelphia Eagles, on the other hand, have allowed only 127 rushing yards per game, presenting a challenge for Johnson's offense.

Keenum, who has started 66 games during his career, believes he is ready to take on the role, having spent two seasons learning Johnson's offense and working to mimic Williams' cadence in practice. However, Johnson acknowledges that the offense must adapt to accommodate the quarterback change. The Bears' offensive line and skill group are preparing for a different voice under center, and Keenum's strengths in anticipation, timing, and quick releases could help mitigate communication issues.

Despite the challenges, Johnson remains confident that his system can create an advantage without the quarterback talent he has always had. The Bears' strong rushing attack and Keenum's experience provide a clear path to make the transition smoother. This game represents a crucial test for Johnson to determine whether his offense can elevate a quarterback or if the success was solely due to players who were already expected to be stars.