Ben Johnson pulled off one of the most unexpected moves we have seen this season, kicking off the Bears’ 23-12 win over the Jets by putting *both* his quarterbacks on the field for the first snap. Seriously, you won’t believe how he did it. With veteran Case Keenum under center and Tyson Bagent lined up as a receiver, Johnson made a statement that was as wild as it was effective.
A ‘Ceremonial’ Move To Stick It To The Media
So why the double-QB start? Johnson was all smiles after the win, explaining his thought process with a clear shot at the media. Reports had been flying all week that Bagent was going to start over Keenum, but Johnson had not made an official announcement himself. He was not happy about info getting out before he even spoke. Johnson wanted to stick it to those reports, making sure everyone knew he was still in control of the narrative.
“Well, I got all these memos saying that Tyson was starting before I even made an announcement, so I wanted to get Case out there,” Johnson told reporters. “It was like a ceremonial first pitch… handing off the torch.” What a play call. The Bears picked up the win, and Johnson delivered a masterclass in media management, all in one fell swoop.
Keenum Handing Off The Torch, Bagent Stepping Up
Before this wild start, the 38-year-old Keenum had put together a terrific start against the Eagles on Monday Night Football. Still, the buzz was all about Bagent returning as the team’s No. 2 quarterback, stepping in for an injured Caleb Williams. Turns out, the locker room was already in on the secret, even if the media was not. Bagent himself revealed how he found out he was starting against the Jets.
“Case hit me asking what time I was getting to the facility,” Bagent said. “I got in, and he was telling me how appreciative he was of me during his start, and then told me he hopes I have a night like he had, and that this week is my week because I’m starting.” Bagent called Keenum a “top-two teammate I’ve ever had, and he’s definitely not two.” That’s real leadership, right there. Bagent hugged Keenum, and then it was “business as usual.” Bagent finished the game 25-of-34 for 268 yards and an interception, though three would-be interceptions were wiped out by Jets penalties. Talk about some gutsy coaching and a veteran showing a rookie the ropes!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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