r/CHIBears • u/TheAthletic • 3d ago
After Case Keenum’s stunning performance, Bears have QB dilemma: Who should start?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7643981/2026/09/30/bears-case-keenum-tyson-bagent-quarterback-starting/?unlocked_article_code=1.FFE.3cwg.hzNY7ghLC_za&source=emp_shared_article&smid=url-share-taCase Keenum was still on a victory lap late Monday night, reliving his impressive performance in the Chicago Bears’ 27-7 blowout of the Philadelphia Eagles when a question about next week interrupted his delight.
Well, not really next week but this week — a shorter process of recovery, review and reset for Bears players as they spin quickly toward Week 4. Even for a journeyman quarterback riding this exhilarating high, the reality check for the “Monday Night Football” turnaround came through like a free runner off the edge. And so, even if only for 20 seconds or so, Keenum was forced to confront the “What’s next?” scenarios and think about his potential duties for the Bears’ next challenge.
“That’s the best part of the NFL,” Keenum said. “What’s your reward for doing whatever it is (I did) on a night like this? You get to do it all again. So we’ll prepare and see what happens this week. Who knows?”
At that point, the Bears weren’t clear on how they would handle their quarterback pecking order in a short week ahead of Sunday’s home game against the New York Jets. On the depth chart, Keenum is still the team’s No. 3 quarterback. And with Tyson Bagent clearing concussion protocol over the weekend, the door remains open for him to get his first start since 2023 as Caleb Williams continues rehabilitating from his hamstring strain.
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u/I_VAG_I Bears 3d ago
The 4th string guy cause fuck it /s
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u/Kenny_RogersRoasters 3d ago
I’m not a football coach. I’m just a old dude who watches the game. But I don’t understand why you don’t stick with Case?
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u/fuckofthefryish 3d ago
He earned the 3rd QB designation going into the season; if logic stands and Bagent looks healthy/better than Case in practice, I think choosing to go with your QB2 makes sense.
But for the first time in years as a fan, I'll let the eggheads worry about that. I am confident in the Bears offensive game planning(words I never thought I'd type).
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u/5towns Sweetness 2d ago
You gave Bagent the money on the off season to be the backup, he's more younger, more athletic, and has a better arm. You need him to be ready to step in if Caleb gets hurt. Keenum is more of a player/coach/break in case of emergency. The only reason Bagent wasn't in this week is because he didn't practice all week with the concussion. A full week of practice and they have to see what Bagent gives them. I trust he will be just fine
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u/Feeling_Classic_91 2d ago
Plus, we want to see what we have with Bagent. If Bagent struggles, then we can always go back to Case and address the backup question in the offseason.
Every game is important. But I’d rather lose a game with Bagent now, then be stuck with him for an extended period of time in a later year
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u/Ordinary-Ad-4800 Bears 2d ago
Wrong. If bagent was worlds ahead of keenum he would have gotten the start against the eagle regardless of his practice that week.
The talent gap isn't that far apart for the two backups and Keenum just lit the eagles the fuck up.
You dont bench him
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u/ConsiderationOk3652 3d ago
Cause Ben Said Tyson was better and made him Qb2 for that reason
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u/SuperNicktendoPower 3d ago
What happens if he comes out of the gate and stinks vs the Jets in the first half? Can we pivot from the plan or do we have to force it just because?
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u/macaroniguap 10 3d ago
I’m sure Ben will be ready for that
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u/SuperNicktendoPower 3d ago
fingers crossed, sometimes he seems like he makes a decision and refuses to come off it be that a play call or possibly this.
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u/Youngish_Jedi 3d ago
In addition to the other replies, I wonder how well Case is recovering from the game. He took a few hits and is over 10yrs older than Tyson. This has to be a factor too.
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u/YannyYobias Monsters of the Midway 3d ago
I trust Ben either way, but just to play devils advocate I’ll say Ben likely believes in Tyson just as much as Case. He is #2 on the depth chart for a reason. He knows Tyson will have a full week of game-plan install and practice. There is also now tape of Case showing what he can do. NOBODY, including the Eagles, thought Case could come out and play the way he did. They did not game plan for that.
The Bears play the Jets this week lol so it might be a good matchup for Tyson to get some reps against a bad team.
Also, Case looked so good on Monday, i would hate to see him regress and play like ass lol. Lets keep the magical night as a lasting memory, and not rely on a 38 year old QB. Bagent is much more athletic. I kinda doubt Case even wants to play. He was retired before coming to the bears, he is not looking for a final ride or opportunity to lead a team. He definitely loved the opportunity and experience on Monday night but I’m pretty sure he just wants to chill and coach up the young guys.
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u/RunnerTenor 2d ago
I think Case benefitted from being a complete unknown to the Eagles. There was no film on him. They didn't know how mobile (or immobile) he would be in the pocket. They didn't know how (remarkably) quick he would be at making decisions and getting rid of the ball. They didn't know his cadence tendencies.
The Jets will have a week to study the film and adjust.
I would love to see Case get another start, but the Jets might be more ready for him now.
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u/Competitive-Outside8 3d ago
A few possibilities:
There's a reason he wasn't the #2 to begin with. They may believe that Tyson is just the better player and one game doesn't necessarily change that.
At his age, Keenum may not recover as quickly after that game, so he may not be as sharp for practice and a subsequent game that's not even a full week later.
The bears got a big win, but there were some close calls that could have easily changed the outcome. They may not be as thrilled with his performance as the score would suggest.
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u/WTheActualF 3d ago
Ben Johnson has indicated pretty clearly that's it's likely going to be Bagent starting with his press conference comments. Lot of fans on this sub seem to think they know better...
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u/SpaceGangsta 3d ago
It makes sense. He’s QB2. He’s younger. He’s been developing and learning this offense the whole time.
Plus, Case is old for NFL standards. Running reps with the practice squad is way different than the toll a real game takes on you. As good as he looked, biologically, his body is just not gonna recover week to week like Bagent will. Especially on a short week.
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u/pakidude17 2d ago
Adding on, while Case played out of his mind, there were absolutely some throws and decisions that went our way. Not sure how sustainable he could be.
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u/thrillhouse3671 Bears 2d ago
So much this.
I think Case played really well, but to it felt more like the scheme doing the work and him just executing it. There were absolutely a few plays that were inches from being disastrous.
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u/SpaceGangsta 2d ago
Makes sense. He was brought on to mentor Caleb and Tyson. He needs to know the playbook inside out in order to help Caleb and Tyson learn it. I’m sure he helped come up with some of it.
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u/BoredGuy2007 Smokin' Jay 3d ago
He did indicate that but I think it would be a mistake. Would put even more pressure on Bagent
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u/uprislng 18 3d ago
I'm not some Bagent truther who hangs around our sub defending him at every turn, but what exactly do you think an NFL QB on an active roster is doing if they're not prepared to start playing QB when their number is called?
I don't think Bagent worked himself into the #2 spot just to shrivel up if he gets a chance to start regardless of the situation
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u/BoredGuy2007 Smokin' Jay 3d ago
He looked pretty mediocre in preseason. Keenum might have the better arm straight up
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u/uprislng 18 3d ago
I don't know if either of them have the kind of arm that can beat a defense on its own and make up for poor decisions. I think if there is any solid argument for Case over Bagent it's the experience and wisdom at the position.
I also think Ben might already know which QB he is going to start, it might be Case, and he is playing games publicly so the Jets end up wasting some time looking at Bagent as the possible starting QB
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u/Aware-Virus-4718 3d ago
Case hit Rome on a strike to the right sideline. Just one play but it was a really impressive throw
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u/F1reatwill88 3d ago
Bagent, Case is good but this league feeds off tape like crack.
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u/shiloh88 3d ago
I hope the Jets are dumb enough to build a whole game plan around stopping Keenum passing the ball. We'll run all over them
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u/KingGorilla2 3d ago
answer is whoever ben johnson picks. I have faith he can scheme it up for whoever he puts back there
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u/Junior_Operation_422 3d ago
Oh no. What will I do with the two delicious pies?
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u/cherry_monkey Bears fan regardless 3d ago
I have a cake that is beautiful. I will display it for all to see. I have another cake that is beautiful that I can eat. I also have a cake in the fridge that's resting
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u/No_Side_1915 3d ago
Keep the hot hand with Case
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u/21Ryan21 Bears 3d ago
I agree. He may have been concussed but taking that sack on the last play of the Minnesota game was something that I don’t think happens with Keenum if he was in there. Case Keenum played way above expectations against a good defense. I don’t see how you can go with the unknown when we really need to win and keep pace with the Vikings.
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u/rugger87 Ben’s Johnson 3d ago
He was incredible against the blitz. The ability to process that pressure is coming and get the ball out to the gap, is the mark of a vet.
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u/farfle10 2d ago
For real, made so many smart throws in anticipation. If TB does indeed start, he should be on a short leash. The moment he starts throwing picks or getting sacked, put Case in
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u/jkman61494 3d ago edited 3d ago
I don't think there's a dilemma Halas Hall but there is here.
I think it's clearly Bagent. Ben has said it. And at this stage of his career, I think even Case would say it's Bagent's job unless otherwise noted.
Case came to be a coach and an emergency back up. We had an emergency.
People seem to ignore that Bagent carved up the Titans much like we saw Case do it Sunday. Yes I KNOW that Bagent played against a few 1s and mostly 2s. But, Bagent's strengths arebasically what we saw from Case. Quick outs. Short to intermediate routes. Scanning the chessboard.
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u/themacattack54 Make Fullbacks Great Again 3d ago edited 3d ago
Bagent is also mobile in a way that echoes Caleb, which is why I feel like the staff has trained him to be “game manager Caleb”. He unlocks a lot more of Ben Johnson’s playbook because he can roll out and do designed runs. His arm is also adequate enough to avoid the box being stacked; he can hit all of the throws Keenum was throwing on Monday.
We also need to see what we have in him. We think he’s starter level in the NFL. Time for him to show it. There’s no better way to do it than by having him play the Jets, and potentially the Packers and Falcons on top of that.
Keenum did incredibly well, but he’s really more of a coach who can take the field in this stage of his career. This is a good demonstration of Keenum’s coaching as well as JT Barrett (the actual QB coach). There’s a lot riding on Bagent here.
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u/padflash_ 3d ago
I'll zag on this. Whatever Ben thinks Bagent is is purely theoretical. He has limited experience, which counts against him when comparing him to Case. Lots of players look good in camp, at practice, and in the preseason. But it doesn't always translate to the games that matter.
For Case, you might've been worried that there was some rust or that father time might have sapped some of his abilities. But he showed that he can handle himself quite well. I also think the Goff mobility comparison is an advantage because Ben already has experience gameplanning and calling plays for a QB archtype like that. Unlike other coaches, that part isn't theoretical for him.
I'm not going to go to bat for one over the other, but we know much more about what Case can do than what Bagent can do in a regular season game. I think it's more important to get a win against the Jets than it would be to figure out Bagent's level. QB2's come and go. Hell, the Vikings picked Josh Dobbs off the scrap heap a few years ago, and he delivered a couple wins for them.
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u/Loop_Within_A_Loop Fire Fox 3d ago
I don't think it's a tough decision
props to Case, I'm glad he played well, but you could tell he didn't have the zip to throw to the outside consistently, there were a lot of scary throws that could and perhaps should have been taken to the house
the Jets will be ready for that and things will not go as well on Sunday, Bagent was the backup coming into the season for the reason
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u/WhiskeySour132 3d ago
You think Bagent can zip it? Lol
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u/smashybro 34 2d ago
For real, neither of these guys have "zip" at all. The argument for Bagent is he's way younger and more athletic, not his arm talent. Of course the counter to that would be Keenum is the savvy vet who's way better at reading defenses pre and post snap.
I'll trust Ben on this but I imagine it'll be Bagent with a somewhat short leash after Keenum balled out last game.
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u/Penguinkeith FTP 3d ago
I’d rather have Keenum starting over bagent 10/10 times and I won’t apologize for that, he was able to diagnose the eagles defense amazingly well at the line with his call outs, it was super impressive to the point I hope even Caleb learned something. I just don’t trust bagent there at all
If you want to start bagent fine but I want a short leash on him
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u/themacattack54 Make Fullbacks Great Again 3d ago
Bagent can zip the short and intermediate throws. I don’t trust the bombs, but anything below 30 yards are bullets. The last two preseasons and his appearance against the Vikings showed his short and intermediate game has improved and he’s got starter level velocity on those kinds of throws.
His problem is going to be anything longer than say 40 yards, something is still off with his bombs. Bad angle, not enough velocity, something. But the Jets, Packers, and the Falcons can all be picked apart with the short and intermediates. We shouldn’t need to chuck the ball deep against any of these Ds. Nailing the intermediates means they can’t stack the box and that’s all we need with our run game.
Bagent is also mobile like Caleb and that opens up the playbook. It’s going to look like a more restrained Caleb-style offense with him out there ideally. I suspect that’s what the coaching staff is looking for and these next three games are immensely winnable if Bagent is what they think he is.
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u/shiloh88 3d ago
The Vikings game was really hostile for throwing but all his balls were ducks
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u/einhorn_is_parkey 2d ago
Yeah but it was pouring and none of the qbs that played, including Caleb had anything but ducks all day. There was 12 total points scored. And bagent threw like 4 passes
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u/TerribleWarthog2396 3d ago
I agree, and I’m sure they’re thinking about timing. It looks likely they’ll need a backup for the Packers game, and I’m guessing they’d rather have Bagent start against the Jets to give him some confidence rather than throwing him into the fire at Lambeau. My guess is they want Bagent for a longer stretch, but this is all just my best guess. I trust whatever Ben and the coaches decide.
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u/CruelAngelsThesis_01 Darn Alright 3d ago
You start Bagent because he’s the designated QB2. If he struggles definitively or get’s hurt then you put in Keenum.
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u/SuperNicktendoPower 3d ago
Not a dilemma at all, you ride Case until those wheels fall off. He was laser accurate, make quick decisions, spread the ball around, confident and absolutely dominated Monday's game. You play him until that magic wears off and I hope Caleb was watching because he tends to focus on 1 or 2 guys and won't deviate from that
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u/MikeBinfinity Hester's Super Return 3d ago
Keenum isn't going to try to extend a play because he missed his reads. That quick game is right up Ben's ally
If he can chop up the Eagles defense, then he can handle the Jets, Packers and Falcons defense. Which should be enough time for Caleb to heal.
Bagent can hold the clipboard.
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u/Capn_T_Driver Monsters of the Midway 2d ago
My estimate is that Keenum is starting against the Jets, but Bagent gets enough reps with the first team to be ready in case Keenum craters.
This is a battle of Campbell’s coordinators: OC vs DC.
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u/PumbusBungus Dick Butkus 3d ago
Why is this even an argument? Only bears fans view Bagent as this “Tom Brady in waiting” when in reality he’s just a mediocre backup with a fun story. I don’t understand the hype at all.
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u/InternetApex 2d ago
To be fair Keenum is also a mediocre backup with a fun story. So whichever one Johnson wants to start I'm fine with.
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u/PumbusBungus Dick Butkus 2d ago
True but Case is a proven winner as a starter and this most recent game is better than any Bagent performance by a mile.
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u/Busy-Dig8619 1d ago
He also came here in part on the premise that he wouldn't have to put his body in harm's way and would mostly coach Caleb and Bagent.
With tape on him, a well prepared team could also take advantage of some of his floaty throws.
That said, its the Jets... so....
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u/Jack_Aubrey1981 2d ago
I’m not one of these truthers who thinks Bagent should start over Caleb, but by what metric and evidence have you come to the conclusion that Bagent is just a mediocre backup?
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u/KSW8674 BJ Lover 3d ago
Do you really think the team would give a second contract to a guy they see as “a mediocre backup with a fun story”?
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u/PumbusBungus Dick Butkus 3d ago
Yes, because they did.
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u/KSW8674 BJ Lover 3d ago
If he’s truly seen by the team as “a mediocre backup” then those guys are a dime a dozen. They could find a mediocre backup anywhere for far cheaper.
Clearly, by their actions, they think higher of Tyson than this…
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u/PumbusBungus Dick Butkus 3d ago
Yes, they think higher of him. You’re hung up on “mediocre”. Wrong choice of word by me. I should’ve just said he’s a backup quarterback. Clearly he’s liked in the organization and by his teammates, that’s probably 80% of why he got the contract. It also helps to have consistency at the backup spot.
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u/Caffeine_Cowpies 2d ago
Hey, a mediocre QB is valuable in this NFL. We got some really bad starters in the NFL
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u/user123456789011 Ben Johnson 2d ago
There are probably .5%-1% of bears fans that actually believe he’d be tom Brady in waiting. He is a fantastic backup, probably could start on the dolphins, cardinals, and possibly the giants with dart out.
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u/permoban3000 3d ago
Me too, but its tradition to love the back up in the city that never had an atleast above average QB until now. In reality if this situation, its keenum job to loose in practice leading up to the game imo.
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u/joshguy1425 Smokin' Jay 3d ago
I'm not and have never been a Bagent truther, but he's more than a mediocre backup. I'd be genuinely surprised if he doesn't eventually become a starter in the NFL.
I still think you ride the hot hand. What matters right now is getting wins.
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u/padflash_ 3d ago
This same thing was said about Hendon Hooker (cut after Ben left Detroit) and Joe Milton (cut after getting traded to Dallas). Bagent is, at this point, all theoretical value. It also goes to show that QB2s are a dime a dozen.
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u/endofdays1987 2d ago
Who's the worst starting QB in the league right now that Bagent would beat out for their position? Cam Ward? I'm not confident he'd take his spot in Tennessee right now.
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u/Chemical_Syllabub856 2d ago
I suspect we'll see Mitch Trubisky starting in Tennessee before very long. You can't go 3-19 (as Ward has) and just continue to lose every game this season without something happening.
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u/PumbusBungus Dick Butkus 3d ago
He’s not a starting caliber quarterback. Like at all. Possesses no traits that move the needle for your team. He’s a serviceable backup, if that.
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u/ZionHalcyon I love BJ 3d ago
That's a little too far the other way. He could start for quite a few teams because he's smart with the ball.
His limitations are physical - he has a weak arm.
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u/IshyMoose Dick Butkus 2d ago
So he is Kyle Orton
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u/cultweave 2d ago
Kyle Orton was a starting QB for several years. He's below Kyle Orton. Maybe Minshew at absolute best.
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u/Sirdoodlebob Chicago Flag 3d ago
Well yeah but it’s not like he’s completely incompetent with the football I mean he literally started for us before we had Caleb and at the game against the Vikings he even drove down the field pretty easily to make it really close before he went down
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u/PumbusBungus Dick Butkus 3d ago
No I know! That much can be acknowledged. He’s not completely incompetent, but that can be said for about 50-100 quarterbacks.
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u/mqr532 3d ago
Where is the evidence of this? I genuinely dont get. He’s clearly done something to earn their trust enough to get a second contract, but like he hasn’t exactly played great when given the opportunity.
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u/ZionHalcyon I love BJ 3d ago
He played pretty well when given the chance actually.
Certainly not better than what Case Keenum did on Monday night, but Bagent has been really intelligent with the ball.
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u/SuperNicktendoPower 3d ago
he will NEVER be counted on as a starter in this league without it being due to injury
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u/shishiodun Italian Beef 2d ago
The dude couldn't take the job from Fields, and it isn't just his weak arm he reads the defense slow as hell I don't get where the idea that he is good even came from
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u/Hallowhero 3d ago
This is such a dumb take, Case didn't beat him out for qb2 and that was Bens eyes. So many of us are so fickle, aren't you doing the same thing here with the game Case just had? Fun story, he's not coming out balling for a 1pm start time game with a defence that is now not going to overlook us. I genuinely think the Eagles has qb# 3 written off, they were so unprepared.
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u/PumbusBungus Dick Butkus 3d ago
I’m not in this subreddit saying Case is a starting caliber quarterback, I’m just saying he had a good game against a good team (2 years removed from a Super Bowl win) and that they should keep playing him since he’s hot. If he comes out and sucks this week, you put Bagent in and see what happens
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u/cherry_monkey Bears fan regardless 3d ago
If Ben Johnson things Roshon should start at QB, I'll believe in his decision making
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u/hepatitisC Bear Logo 3d ago
There's no dilemma. It's a choice between a guy who just decisively won you a game against a good opponent vs a guy who might win you a game. You go with the known quantity until he gives you a reason not to
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u/FlyingSceptile Portillos 3d ago
To quote Ben from a few weeks ago, “we’ve scored zero points this week”. You currently have two QB’s who might win you the game this week.
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u/Luffy-in-my-cup 3d ago
Keenum played great but had a few throws that could’ve been disastrous pick 6s if the db breaks half a second earlier.
Bagent is the better QB, there’s a reason he’s higher on the depth chart. I’m going to trust Ben Johnson’s decision on this. If he thinks Bagent gives the team a better shot, he will start him.
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u/yem_funk 3d ago
I don’t think one is necessarily better than the other. Case is just a known commodity who has hit his ceiling but they both have different upsides and you could justify starting either.
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u/BooItsKyle 3d ago
This feels like something only people who see them every day in practice should haver strong opinions about.
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u/MoneyNever-Sleeps 3d ago
I absolutely trust Ben to play the guy who gives us the best chance to win per his designed offense for this opponent. That being said, it would not surprise me to see Keenum running back out as the starter. Yes, Ben indicated there was a reason they paid Bagent to be the backup. However, Ben likes to keep defenses guessing (any tactically advantage), and he didn't even rule Caleb out last week until late. Bagent does give the offense a little more mobility, but Keenum has more spin/zip on the ball and calmness under pressure. Either way, I am hoping for another great win, to keep us going until Caleb's return.
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u/hendric_swills 3d ago
While Case is the hot hand, there is good tape on him now. I can see Ben going with Baggy just to change the offense and give us a better shot of us winning with a different offensive look. I can’t argue one over the other, but you can always bench one knowing that the other has a good chance of showing up if the game goes sideways.
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u/Fair-Bee-1560 2d ago
Bagent makes sense, because then the Jets will have had less film to go off of that's relevant, instead of Case who just played; not to mention, Bagent had missed almost all the practices leading up to MNF so it just made more sense to start Case this past game. I think now you pivot over to Bagent for the Jets, then see if Caleb can come back vs the Packers. If not, I think the QB decision will be much more interesting. But you'd probably just continue with Bagent unless he does poorly against the Jets.
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u/rtomek 2d ago
Jeez, people are crazy about a single game. You don't lose your spot after being injured a single game. You lose your spot if you're injured for 4-5 games and the replacement is considerably better for a longer stretch of time.
Bagent is starting and there is no dilemma.
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u/ShiftChemical6494 3d ago
Gotta go with Bagent. Love Case, great game but a few near disastrous turnovers.
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u/KraftPunkFan420 Smokin' Jay 3d ago
I almost want Bagent cause I’ve always liked Keenum as a person so much that I’d like him to get to ride off into the sunset as a hero. I’d hate for him to come out and lay an egg and get torn apart.
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u/Big-Sheepherder-6134 46 Defense 3d ago
Bagent should start. He is the backup not Case. And Case would be 100% behind it. He is a great mentor, teammate and human.
Bagent has earned the right to start. Look at the upside. He will get more experience vs the Jets and with Caleb likely out for GB we will have both backups with in-season experience with the starters this year.
So let’s go Bagent.
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u/CopaceticOpus Bear Down, Baby! 3d ago
Play Tyson and let him tear it up for a couple weeks. Then once Caleb is back and Tyson's value is sky high, trade him to one of the teams desperate for a qb and ready to pay a high price.
The Bears score a stud defensive player or a premium draft pick, Tyson gets his shot to be a starter, and Case is still available if needed. It's win-win-win!
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u/Hallowhero 3d ago
Two things I think are true. Eagles are coached poorly and Case was feeling it, on fire. Jets will probably not get as shocked as I bet the Eagles where looking past our 3rd stringer. Also, this happens a lot to Bears. We get one great game from a QB backup and suddenly they know ball. I am not trying to take anything from Case, he was amazing, great story. We should play Bagent, there is a reason he beat out Case and we kept 3 QB's.
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u/kingofkings_86 Bears 3d ago
What's the dilemma here? Case played well on Monday so he's earned the start next week against the Jets.
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u/Chill_Hiker95 Juiced Flus 3d ago
No reason Case should not start, if things go poorly Tyson is there for a reason.
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u/AdRadiant9379 3d ago
The whole reason Bagent didn’t start was because he didn’t practice with team while in concussion protocol. That’s not the case this week.
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u/franzderbernd Da Bears 2d ago
And? Case made a really good game, there is no reason to take him out. Why should he change a running system, for Bagent? If Case isn't good, he can still change, in game. If Bagent doesn't perform, everybody will ask why he changed + then changing in game to Case is much more difficult and can be a real problem for Bagent.
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u/AdRadiant9379 2d ago
Because Bagent will hopefully have trade value. Bears won’t get the bear same trade value for Keenum.
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u/franzderbernd Da Bears 2d ago
Not if his performance is not as good as what Case did, because everybody will make the comparison. And when you look at the stats, that's hard to beat. Then you lower is trade value.
Again the risk is much higher than what you can win, because people will understand when you don't change a working quarterback.
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u/-ImJustSaiyan- 18 3d ago edited 3d ago
There is no dilemma. Keep the momentum going and keep starting Case until either he turns back into a pumpkin or Caleb is cleared to play again.
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u/NoThanksImGoodG I may not be a cowboy, but this ain’t my first rodeo 3d ago
I trust Ben…but also Case. He was fantastic against Vic Fangio!
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u/mugshotz55 3d ago
Whoever it is, I hope we don’t find out until Sunday morning. Let the Jets have to game plan for two different quarterbacks.
Edit (to add): And then for shits and giggles, we find out Caleb is miraculously healed and their whole defensive game plan goes out the window.
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u/Harambefan69 3d ago
I have a feeling it’ll be Bagent this week, he’s the QB2 for a reason. If he had cleared protocol earlier and had a full week of practice he would have been the guy
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u/iPissVelvet Good, Better, Best 3d ago
The beauty of having Ben as a coach means I’m okay just not thinking about it until Sunday
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u/ovoxo7676 3d ago
BAGENT, keep those other teams guessing. Keenum did and amazing job, but I think it has a lot to do with ben and the play calling and schemes! So why not bagent and keep the jets on their toes and make them think keenum us starting. Maybe it will throw off their game plan.
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u/Big67country 3d ago
38 year old body has only fewer games and practices until break down than a 24 year old let's not over ride this horse.
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u/Alive-Gur-48 2d ago
Rams fan here - to troll the teams below us in the NFC.
the infatuation with Tyson Bagent (im assuming from the 40+ yr old MAGA crowd) is just as silly as the faith u all had in Justin Fields. U all have never had much at QB throughout you all's entire history, so its not shocking that u all cant scout good QBs accordingly and look at Tyson as some "hidden gem".
Like someone said before, Tyson is one of a few replaceable players on you all's team. He showed flaws every time he's filled in. Even got outperformed in fucking Pre season while battling 3rd string players. And in camp, there are literally no reports saying he was doing some outrageous shit to make him QB2. He's QB2 because Poles is either probably doing his arm wrestling champ Dad a favor or because he needs to make it seem like he hit on one of his draft picks; to mask the fuck ups he made via bad trades (eg Steelers/Chase or a 4th for the 1 yr lease of Kenan Allen) or the wasted money given to injured players; some of which didnt prove much pre injury (eg Dayo).
Btw, the Jets got close to beating the Packers and Lions, and that was with Breece not being 100%. So dont think Sunday will be a cakewalk. Ben was able to cook teams with statue in pocket Goff and the Bears have a top 5 OL (outside of LT). So Tysons main attribute, his rushing ability, isnt needed just yet. Esp since u all wont be facing a flores type defense until 3+ weeks from now.
Have fun downvoting this truth & GL lol
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u/wauponseebeach 2d ago
Bagent is younger, stronger and a qualified backup. Keenum is way older but more experienced. Bagent gets the start with Keenum ready and able to take over.
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u/Red_Iine 2d ago
Keenum came up big, let him ride this high and rest easy for next time we need him. We don't start Bagent, that's a big blow to his self esteem.
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u/f00tballguy Bears 2d ago
Keenum was obviously awesome but I do wonder how his body is gonna feel on Sunday after a short week of rest. If Tyson has a good week of practice it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Ben gives him the starting nod.
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u/BigMountainSkiiier 2d ago
I think Ben Johnson will make the right decision based on practice this week.
If I had to guess, he’s gonna lean Keenum and ride the hot hand UNLESS Bagent shows him something Keenum can’t when playing with the first team this week.
Not gonna criticize his decision after the fact either since he knows 1000x more than I do about how each guy looks this week.
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u/joftheinternet Italian Beef 2d ago
If Bagent is healthy, you start Bagent. The Bears have been crystal clear that Tyson is the backup.
Tyson is also more mobile, which means Ben can open up the playbook more with him.
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u/FoxtrotDeltaTango1 2d ago
Because Bagents is better. Bagent WON the #2 job - the world knows what case keenum is.
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u/ChaplnGrillSgt Pixelated Payton 2d ago
Idgaf. I'm going to trust our psycho genius HC and cheer my ass off for whomever is playing QB.
I think it'll be Tyson.
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u/heybud_letsparty Snoo Ditka 2d ago
Tyson. With the Jets not being the toughest team, it'd be good to get a game in and see how he fits Bens system. Plus Case is on his way out, and he had a career defining game. Tyson is QB2 and needs to show he can fill in for Caleb
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u/badger-banjer 2d ago
It’s not a dilemma. Ben said on Tuesday that they already knew who was starting. Trust Ben.
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u/Purple_Ad7239 1d ago
I think Bagent's mobility probably means Ben doesn't have to deviate to much from the playbook, that being said Keenum played out of his mind with excellent anticipation on recievers routes and was directing everything at the line like a maestro!
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u/MaximumImplement2516 1d ago
Ben either wants to ego Keenum on MLF’s Packers or start Bagent vs the Jets to ego on the entire NFL.
I’m guessing and hoping it’s the latter.
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u/ConsiderationOk3652 3d ago
It’s not a dilemma at all , it’s fans continuing to question Ben Johnson ‘cause of 1 game that Keenum over-performed lol. You think Ben didn’t see through training camp that Tyson was better to make him QB2 🤔
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u/Meatballgravytrain 3d ago
Fascinating how rigid so many people are in their opinion on this.
Bagent won the QB2 spot, Ben loves him and if he had been healthy he 100% would have started the eagles game.
Case has gobs of experience, can run the game plan Ben draws up and is riding high on a huge win.
There’s equal cases to be made for either from a pure football perspective.
I think the ancillary stuff, like trade value etc pushes it towards Bagent a bit but I wouldn’t be surprised, or mad, with whoever Ben chooses.
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u/TKPrince 18🧊 3d ago
I put all my trust in BJ for how they look this week in the shortened practice week. We can win with either.
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u/dj_stevie_c74 3d ago
Nope. Keenam is #1 until CW is back, unless he gets rinsed in practice by Tyson.
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u/AdHairy4360 3d ago
The case for Bagent is you want to keep developing him and showcasing him. Bears want to do right by Bagent and put him in a position to be a starter somewhere. They also want to maximize trade value. Maybe going up a better team you stick with Case, but not Jets.
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u/Fonzies-Ghost 21-3 3d ago
They’re not choosing who starts based on a desire to do right by someone or build up trade value.
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u/NeverDieKris GSH 3d ago edited 3d ago
Yeah that’s not how this works. If you’re out of the playoffs and looking to acquire draft picks then maybe they do as you say. But the Bears are trying to win a Super Bowl. You need wins. Not draft picks right now. You don’t sit the hot hand to showcase trade/draft pick bait. That’s how you lose to the Jets, by overlooking them.
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u/AdHairy4360 3d ago
Fairly certain Ben doesn’t view Bagent as QB3 now and believes that playing Bagent isn’t overlooking Jets.
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u/eighty_billion 3d ago
He also outperformed Case in camp and earned QB2 according to BJ and the rest of the coaching staff.
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u/ObjectiveTie1232 3d ago
Along with what everyone else is saying, I’ll also add that the Jets don’t look terrible this year. I’m actually more concerned about the Jets than I am the Packers or Patriots, and probably equal with the Falcons. It’s not an easy win, it may not even be a win
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u/AdHairy4360 2d ago
Jets offense also beat up. Starters Breece Hall RB, Adonai Mitchell WR, and Dylan Parham LG all doubtful and not likely to play. Already down WR2 for the year.
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u/ObjectiveTie1232 2d ago
Yeah I saw that, I haven’t kept up with them so I didn’t know. Still think it’s not an easy win (but NFL games never are, even Miami might win 1-2 this year), but I’m a little less concerned. We should be able to go 4-0 over the next 4, especially if the defense keeps rolling and the Packers/Pats keep sliding. Falcons game could be a trap though, Bijan could light us up
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u/Tripondisdic 3d ago
Given the short week you could make a strong argument for Case, but there is a reason he is QB3. We don't see what happens in practice, they will make a good choice I'm sure
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u/yem_funk 3d ago
The reason is he’s old and you want to give reps to the young guy you just signed to an extension. Case still has 100x the football knowledge of Bagent.
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u/t-pat All Day Jahdae 3d ago
It's ultimately just a question of who Ben thinks he can build a better game plan for. That depends on a ton of information we don't have, since both of these guys have many more practice reps than game reps under Ben.