The Unbelievable Stat Behind Ben Johnson’s Biggest Test

Ben Johnson has spent his entire NFL play-calling career working with former No. 1 overall picks. That unbelievable streak is about to end.

If Caleb Williams remains sidelined by his hamstring injury and Tyson Bagent cannot clear concussion protocol, Johnson will lead the Chicago Bears into Monday night’s game against Philadelphia with Case Keenum at quarterback. For the first time as an offensive coordinator or head coach, Johnson would be starting a quarterback who was not selected first overall. Of course, starting Bagent would present the same result.

The statistic that has picked up steam on social media platforms is startling but accurate. Johnson spent three seasons in Detroit with Jared Goff, the first pick in the 2016 draft. Since taking over in Chicago, he has started Williams, the top selection in 2024, in every game.

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Sep 13, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay talks with quarterback Jared Goff (16) in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. The Rams defeated the Cowboys 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Johnson has never had to call a game with a backup quarterback forced into the starting lineup. He has never had to build a full game plan around a quarterback without the physical profile and draft pedigree attached to Goff or Williams.

Now he may have to do both at once.

“It’s business as usual for us,” Johnson said Wednesday when asked about the unprecedented situation.

That is the message a coach has to project. The Bears are preparing for a prime-time game against an undefeated Eagles team, and Johnson cannot allow uncertainty at quarterback to infect the rest of the locker room, but this is not business as usual.

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Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (18) throws against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023.

Williams is dealing with a hamstring injury and has not practiced this week. Bagent, who replaced Williams late in Sunday’s loss to Minnesota, is in the concussion protocol and was not at Halas Hall Wednesday. Keenum was the only quarterback on Chicago’s active roster taking practice reps, with rookie Miller Moss working behind him.

Keenum has started 66 games during his career, but he has not appeared in a regular-season game since 2023. He was signed by Chicago to mentor Williams and Bagent, not to become the centerpiece of a Monday night game plan.

Still, Keenum believes he is ready.

“I feel very prepared,” he said Wednesday. “That’s what I do every week. That’s what I’ve done for a long time.”

The veteran has spent two seasons learning Johnson’s offense and has worked to make his cadence sound similar to Williams’ in practice. That could help the Bears avoid communication problems with an offensive line and skill group preparing for a different voice under center.

Johnson acknowledged that the offense must adapt. The plays may be familiar, but the quarterback changes the way they function. Williams can escape pressure, extend plays and create explosive runs. Keenum’s strengths are anticipation, timing and getting the ball out before the rush arrives. Yet, there’s a reason the veteran isn’t starting anywhere.

That means Johnson cannot simply take the Williams game plan and hand it to Keenum. The Bears do have a clear path to making the transition easier: run the football.

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Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bears center Garrett Bradbury (67) reacts to a touchdown scored by running back D’Andre Swift (4) in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Chicago leads the NFL with 212.5 rushing yards per game. D’Andre Swift has produced 169 yards through two games, while Kyle Monangai has added 147. Philadelphia, meanwhile, has allowed 127 rushing yards per game, giving Johnson an obvious matchup to attack.

A strong ground game could keep Keenum out of obvious passing situations and force the Eagles to defend the Bears’ most dependable offensive strength.

Keenum also brings something Johnson values beyond experience. He credits the coach with bringing him back to football after he had essentially prepared to retire.

“I’m here right now because of him,” Keenum said. “I found the love of football again working with him.”

Now Johnson must prove his system can create an advantage without the quarterback talent he has always had at the controls.

This is not a referendum on his entire coaching career. But it is the clearest test yet of whether Johnson’s offense can elevate a quarterback — or whether it has mostly been amplified by players who were already expected to be stars.