Case Keenum poised to step in as Bears' starter against Eagles
As the Chicago Bears prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, the team has not officially named Case Keenum as the starting quarterback. However, with both Caleb Williams recovering from a hamstring injury and Tyson Bagent currently in concussion protocol, Keenum is the only quarterback on the active roster who practiced on Wednesday, making him the likely candidate to lead the offense if needed.
Keenum, who has started 66 games in his NFL career, has not seen action since December 24, 2023, when he faced the Cleveland Browns. Despite this long absence from the starting role, Keenum expressed confidence in his readiness. "I feel very prepared," he stated, as reported by Courtney Cronin of ESPN. "It’s what I do every week. It’s what I’ve done for a long time. I’ve backed up a long time in this league. If my name’s called, I’m excited to be out there."
At 38 years old, Keenum brings a wealth of experience to the Bears, having played for eight different teams since entering the league in 2012. His familiarity with various offensive systems could be an asset, especially against a formidable Eagles defense led by coordinator Vic Fangio, against whom Keenum holds a perfect 3-0 record as a starter.
Keenum's statistics reflect his capabilities: he has thrown for 15,175 yards and 79 touchdowns throughout his career. However, the Bears' offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, faces a unique challenge as he has never called plays for a backup quarterback. Johnson, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has worked with top draft picks like Jared Goff and Caleb Williams, but now must adapt his strategy to fit Keenum's style.
Johnson praised Keenum's leadership and ability to connect with teammates, noting, "He’s been a baller from the day he was born from what I can tell. He’s got that way about him. He’s got a knack. His teammates gravitate to him. I think that’s a good starting point for a quarterback."
The View from the Cheap Seats
Despite acknowledging that Keenum may not have the same physical speed he once did, Johnson emphasized that Keenum's mental acuity and experience allow him to excel in reading defenses and making quick decisions. "He sees the game the same way we do. I think he accelerates through his progressions because he’s seen so many things over the course of his time. He’s been in so many different offenses."
As the Bears look to secure a victory against the Eagles, the decision to start Keenum could hinge on his ability to leverage his experience and adapt to the current roster dynamics. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, Keenum's readiness to step into the spotlight could prove pivotal for the Bears' hopes this season.
