Bears sit Caleb Williams, split on starting QB vs.
Bears Weigh Quarterback Choice as Jets Visit Chicago
Bharatmorning.com – Chicago’s quarterback decision remains unsettled heading into Sunday’s Week 4 home game against the New York Jets. Caleb Williams has again been ruled out with a strained hamstring, but Bears coach Ben Johnson has not yet chosen between Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent for the start.
Williams will miss his second consecutive game, leaving Johnson with a choice between the experienced Keenum and Bagent, who secured Chicago’s No. 2 quarterback role during training camp. The coaching staff has not reached a consensus.
“I don't necessarily know there is a right answer or a wrong answer,” Johnson said.
Johnson said his assistants are evenly divided over which quarterback gives the Bears the best option against New York. The situation follows a convincing Monday night victory over Philadelphia, when Keenum delivered one of Chicago’s strongest offensive performances of the season.
Keenum’s Eagles Performance Changes the Conversation
Keenum, a veteran who has played for several teams during his NFL career, threw for 247 yards and was responsible for three touchdowns in the Bears’ 27-7 win over the Eagles. He received a game ball after helping Chicago become more efficient through the air while its defense controlled the game.
Bagent had spent much of the preceding week in concussion protocol, creating an opportunity for Keenum. Still, Bagent made clear that he is not campaigning to replace the veteran after Keenum’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 offensive players have expressed confidence that either option can lead the unit effectively. Running back D’Andre Swift said the team trusts whichever quarterback Johnson selects.
“Whoever they put out there, we have the utmost belief that they're going to be able to get the job done,” Swift said.
Johnson said the overall feeling inside the locker room is that the Bears are in “good shape” regardless of who takes the first snap Sunday.
Defense Returns to Ball-Hawking Form
The Bears received significant help from their defense in the win over Philadelphia. Chicago forced three takeaways, a welcome return to the aggressive and opportunistic identity that helped the club lead the NFL in that category last season.
T.J. Edwards and Dillon Thieneman each intercepted a pass, while Xavier Woods recovered a fumble. Those extra possessions eased the burden on the offense and allowed Keenum and the Bears to play with control after establishing an advantage.
Chicago will again be without several players in addition to Williams. Left tackle Braxton Jones, defensive lineman Shemar Turner, linebacker Noah Sewell and defensive back Kyler Gordon have been ruled out. Nickel back Cam Lewis is listed as doubtful.
Jets Face Major Injury Concerns
New York arrives in Chicago trying to halt a two-game losing streak. The Jets lost to the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions by a combined 10 points, and their challenge against the Bears is complicated by a lengthy injury list.
Running back Breece Hall will not play after sustaining a quad injury in last Sunday’s 31-24 defeat at Detroit. Hall has managed 61 rushing yards on 29 carries since opening the season with 102 yards on 22 attempts.
With Hall sidelined, Braelon Allen is expected to handle a larger share of the backfield work. Isaiah Davis could also be involved, although his next rushing attempt would be his first of the 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. Rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq and edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare are questionable.
Right tackle Armand Membou said New York’s offensive line must improve in both phases after recent difficulties establishing the running game and protecting quarterback Geno Smith.
“It starts with playing as five,” Membou said. “All five need to be on the same page and play more as one.”
Smith completed 75.5% of his passes this season and produced a strong statistical outing against Detroit, finishing 31 of 37 for 321 yards. He threw touchdown passes to Garrett Wilson, Sadiq and tight end Jeremy Ruckert, but New York could not turn that production into a victory.
Familiar Coaches Meet Again
The Jets do receive a boost in the secondary, where Minkah Fitzpatrick has been cleared to play after being inactive for the previous two games. His return is important for a defense preparing for uncertainty at quarterback, whether Keenum’s experience or Bagent’s mobility is under center for Chicago.
Jets coach Aaron Glenn is especially familiar with Johnson’s approach. The two spent four seasons together on Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions staff, including three years as fellow coordinators. Glenn expects the matchup to carry an added strategic edge because of that shared history.
“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.”
New York won the most recent meeting between the franchises, beating Chicago 31-10 on the road in Week 12 of the 2022 season. Sunday’s game presents a different set of questions: the Bears are deciding who will guide their offense, while the Jets must find answers without Hall and several other key contributors.
For Chicago, the decision may come down to whether Johnson values Keenum’s momentum after the Eagles game or Bagent’s standing as the team’s designated backup. Either way, the Bears believe their roster is prepared to support the quarterback chosen for a pivotal home matchup.
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