Keenum, filling in while Caleb Williams recovers from a right hamstring injury that leaves him week to week, completed 9 of 11 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown in the opening quarter alone. Speaking to ESPN’s Laura Rutledge after the game, Keenum praised his head coach’s inventive game plan. “Ben Johnson was cooking tonight, he’s in his bag,” Keenum told ESPN, adding that Johnson is the best play-caller he has worked with in his career.
Aggressive Strategy Sets the Tone
Johnson’s signature fearlessness was on full display early in the second quarter. Holding a 7-0 lead and facing a fourth-and-1 at the Philadelphia 1-yard line, the Bears coach opted to keep his offense on the field rather than settling for a short field goal by Cairo Santos. Although the fourth-down pass fell incomplete, the bold gamble telegraphed to the roster that expectations had not shifted in Williams’ absence.
“When things get a little bit sideways, or we go for it on fourth down, and we don’t get it, everyone’s ready to respond the right way,” Johnson said, according to Capitol City Now. Keenum finished the night passing for two touchdowns and rushing for another, joining Ryan Fitzpatrick as the only quarterbacks in NFL history since 1950 to win at least one start with seven different franchises.
Defensive Turnaround and Rising Roster Pieces
Chicago’s defense delivered a stellar performance, holding consecutive opponents to fewer than 10 points for the first time since 2012. After yielding 37 points in their season opener against Carolina, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s unit pitched a second-half shutout against Philadelphia, allowing just 62 yards and forcing three turnovers. Rookie safety Dillon Thieneman recorded his first career interception, while linebacker T.J. Edwards added another pick.
On the offensive side, second-year receiver Luther Burden stepped up as a primary weapon. Burden was targeted a game-high 11 times, catching seven passes for 61 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown on a shovel pass during Chicago’s opening drive.
Looking Ahead to Week 4 Against the Jets
With Williams expected to remain sidelined for Chicago’s upcoming matchup, Johnson faces a decision on whether to stick with Keenum or turn to Tyson Bagent, who recently cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol. Regardless of who starts under center, the Bears face a quick turnaround.
According to AtoZ Sports, Johnson has already shifted his focus to a Week 4 showdown against the New York Jets, highlighting his familiarity with Jets defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. The two previously served as coordinators together in Detroit under Dan Campbell. “We got our work cut out for us on a short week here,” Johnson said on ESPN1000. “We got to get our recovery and our bodies back in order against a very physical football team.”