WEEK 4 JETS VS BEARS
WEEK 3 EAGLES VS BEARS RECAP
The Chicago Bears improved to 2-1 on the season after a statement win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. It was a complete team effort, featuring a masterclass game plan from Ben Johnson, an inspired performance from veteran quarterback Case Keenum, and another dominant outing from Dennis Allen’s defense. The Bears held the Eagles to just seven points, pitched a second-half shutout, and forced three turnovers in one of their most complete performances of the young season.
Last week, I highlighted the value of great coaching and how a quality head coach can be worth two or three extra wins over the course of a season. Ben Johnson responded exactly the way good coaches do after adversity. Just one week after the Bears managed only three points in a frustrating home loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago bounced back with 27 points against a talented Eagles defense. In reality, that total could have been even higher had the Bears not been stopped on 4th-and-goal in the second quarter.
With Caleb Williams sidelined, all eyes were on 38-year-old Case Keenum, and the veteran delivered. Keenum looked far younger than his age, displaying outstanding pocket awareness, quick decision-making, and the poise of a quarterback who has seen everything the league can throw at him. Perhaps his biggest contribution was simply getting the football out of his hands. Keenum’s average time to throw ranged between 2.24 and 2.41 seconds, significantly faster than the league average of roughly 2.8 seconds. That quick processing helped neutralize Philadelphia’s pass rush and allowed the Bears offensive line to play one of its cleanest games of the season.
Keenum also did exactly what coaches ask of veteran backup quarterbacks: avoid negative plays and take what the defense gives you. He consistently found his check-down options, moved the chains, and patiently worked through his progressions. As the Eagles adjusted, he successfully opened up the offense with several well-placed throws downfield. While it was not a flawless performance, as he had three turnover-worthy throws that fortunately fell incomplete, Keenum’s overall impact cannot be overstated. He finished 24-of-34 passing for just under 250 yards while keeping the offense on schedule throughout much of the night.
The Bears offense did not have everything going its way early. Chicago managed only 27 rushing yards in the first half and struggled to establish any consistent ground attack. To their credit, they stayed patient and eventually wore down the Eagles front seven, finishing with 128 rushing yards. That balance helped the Bears control possession, limit mistakes, and keep their defense fresh throughout the game.
Outside of Keenum, wide receiver Khalif Raymond delivered the offensive highlight of the evening. Raymond hauled in six receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown, repeatedly finding soft spots in Philadelphia’s coverage and providing the explosive plays the Bears needed. His ability to stretch the field created opportunities for the rest of the offense and gave Keenum a reliable target in key situations.
As impressive as the offense was, the defense once again set the tone. Dennis Allen’s unit held the Eagles scoreless for the entire second half and limited them to just seven points overall. Even more impressive, the Bears won the turnover battle 3-0, a formula that will continue to be critical as they navigate Williams’ absence.
Rookie first-round pick Dillon Thieneman had a breakout performance, recording the first interception of his NFL career while adding four tackles and a pass breakup. Veteran linebacker T.J. Edwards also came away with an interception, while Austin Booker forced a crucial fumble with a textbook Peanut Punch that helped swing momentum firmly in Chicago’s favor. The Bears defense consistently created short fields for the offense and prevented the Eagles from finding any rhythm after halftime.
Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway was the complementary football Chicago displayed. The offense protected the ball, the special teams avoided costly mistakes, and the defense dominated the turnover battle. When the Bears play that style of football, particularly with a backup quarterback under center, they give themselves an opportunity to win every week.
The challenge now is carrying that momentum forward. The Bears return home this week to face a scrappy New York Jets team at Soldier Field. With questions still surrounding who will start at quarterback, likely Tyson Bagent, Chicago’s defense and special teams will once again need to be major factors. If the Bears can continue forcing turnovers, play disciplined football, and avoid the penalty problems that plagued them earlier in the season, they will have a strong opportunity to improve to 3-1 heading into Week 5.
BEARS VS JETS WEEK 4 PREVIEW – TOP STORYLINES TO KNOW
- Can Tyson Bagent (or Case Keenum) keep the offense afloat without Caleb Williams?
The biggest question entering Sunday’s matchup remains Chicago’s quarterback situation. By the time this article is published, Ben Johnson may have already made his decision, but as of now, the Bears have kept everyone guessing.
Johnson has been characteristically tight-lipped throughout the week, and there are several reasons why. Perhaps he was genuinely impressed by Case Keenum’s performance against Philadelphia and believes the veteran has earned another opportunity. Maybe he’s looking to make life as difficult as possible for Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, forcing New York to prepare for two different quarterbacks with two very different skill sets. Or maybe Johnson simply hasn’t finalized the decision yet and is taking every available practice rep into consideration before naming a starter.
Personally, I believe the answer is straightforward: Tyson Bagent should get the start in Week 4.
I understand the argument for riding the hot hand after Keenum helped guide the Bears to an impressive Monday night victory over the Eagles. He was poised, efficient, and played exactly the style of football Chicago needed to win. However, when you step back and look at the bigger picture, the odds seem to favor Bagent.
Johnson himself noted after the Eagles game that there is a reason Bagent sits second on the depth chart behind Caleb Williams. While he declined to elaborate on what that reason is, it’s not difficult to connect the dots. Bagent’s athleticism and mobility allow the Bears to operate an offense that more closely resembles the one they run with Williams under center. His ability to extend plays, move the pocket, and threaten defenses with his legs adds dimensions that simply are not available with the 38-year-old Keenum.
There is also a reason Bagent has continued to generate interest around the league. Over the past two seasons, multiple front offices have reportedly inquired about his availability, viewing him as one of the NFL’s top backup quarterbacks, and potential starter on some of the league’s basement dwellers.
The Bears have demonstrated their confidence in him as well, rewarding him with a contract that pays him like a legitimate No. 2 quarterback. Organizations do not make those investments unless they believe a player can step in and win games when called upon.
Then there is Ben Johnson himself.
Last week, one of the most popular talking points in national media was that Johnson had never won an NFL game with a quarterback who wasn’t selected first overall. His previous victories came with Caleb Williams and Jared Goff. Johnson quickly put that narrative to rest by winning with Keenum against Philadelphia.
Now another opportunity presents itself. You can bet Johnson would enjoy proving that offensive success is less about draft pedigree and more about coaching, scheme, and preparation. Winning with a former Division II quarterback would only strengthen the growing argument that he is one of the brightest offensive minds in football.
The good news for Chicago is that I believe the Bears can win this football game regardless of who takes the first snap. Their defense has been playing at a high level, the running game remains among the league’s best, and the special teams unit continues to provide solid support. Still, if I’m making the decision, I’m handing the ball to Bagent.
Not only does he give the offense a higher ceiling, but he also gives himself another opportunity to showcase his value to the other 31 teams around the league. If the Bears ultimately go with him on Sunday, this could be another important chapter in his audition as one of the NFL’s most capable backup quarterbacks.
- Regular Season at a Glance
I know its only Week 4 so the sample size is small but currently the Bears are averaging 29.7 points per game, 5th best in the NFL along with 408 yards per game, 3rd best in the NFL, and 34:32 in Time of Possession per game 2nd in the NFL. On the other side of the ball the Jets are averaging 21.3 points per game, 17th best in the NFL, 329 yards per game, 13th best in the NFL, and 32:58 in Time of Possession per game, which is 1st in the NFL.
Regular season statistics can be a bit misleading this early in the year, as Week 4 still represents a relatively small sample size. However, the early numbers paint a picture of two teams that have found success in very different ways. The Bears enter Sunday’s matchup averaging 29.7 points per game, the fifth-best mark in the NFL, while also averaging 408 total yards per contest, good for third in the league.
Perhaps most impressive is Chicago’s ability to control the flow of the game, as the Bears are averaging 34:32 of possession per contest, the second-best mark in the NFL. While the offense has shown flashes of dominance, most notably the 59-point outburst in Week 1 and last week’s efficient 27-point performance against the Eagles, consistency remains the next step in its development.
The lingering question is which version of the Bears offense will show up each week. Is it the explosive unit capable of overwhelming opponents with big plays and sustained drives, or the group that managed just three points in a frustrating Week 2 home loss to the Vikings? Through three games, Ben Johnson’s offense has demonstrated the ability to dictate tempo, control the clock, and wear down opposing defenses, but Sunday’s matchup presents another opportunity to prove that the Week 2 performance was the exception rather than the norm.
The Jets’ offensive production has been more modest, averaging 21.3 points per game, which ranks 17th in the league, and 329 total yards per contest, placing them 13th. Despite those middle-of-the-pack rankings, New York has excelled in one area that could prove critical on Sunday: ball control. The Jets lead the entire NFL in time of possession at 34:58 per game, narrowly ahead of the Bears.
That statistic suggests Sunday’s contest could be a battle of sustained drives and field position rather than explosive plays. Both teams want to control the clock, keep their defenses fresh, and limit opportunities for the opposing offense. In many ways, this game could come down to which team is able to impose its style first.
If the Bears can continue their efficient offensive play and dominant rushing attack, they’ll have a chance to dictate the game. If the Jets are able to sustain long drives and keep Chicago’s offense on the sideline, they could turn this into the type of low-scoring, physical contest that favors them.
- Bears Must Win the Key Matchups
If the Bears are going to improve to 3-1, it starts with winning the individual battles that will ultimately decide this game.
The first and most obvious matchup is Chicago’s rushing attack against New York’s stingy run defense. Through three weeks, the Bears’ backfield tandem of D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai has emerged as one of the league’s most productive one-two punches. Behind a solid offensive line, Chicago leads the NFL with 184.3 rushing yards per game.
The challenge this week will be significant, however, as the Jets enter Sunday allowing just 87.3 rushing yards per contest, the sixth-best mark in football. With either Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum under center, establishing the run early will be a critical component of Ben Johnson’s game plan. A productive ground attack would not only take pressure off the quarterback but also help control the tempo and keep the Jets defense on the field.
Defensively, the Bears must continue doing what has fueled their early-season success: creating negative plays and winning the turnover battle. Dennis Allen’s unit has been one of the more opportunistic groups in the league, ranking 12th with seven sacks, eighth with three interceptions, and fourth overall in turnover differential through three games.
Against a Jets offense that prefers to sustain long drives and control possession, those extra possessions could prove invaluable. Whether it’s forcing a turnover, generating pressure on third down, or simply getting off the field quickly, the Bears defense needs to create opportunities for the offense to find its rhythm and wear down New York over four quarters.
Just as importantly, Chicago must continue its recent trend toward cleaner football. Penalties were a major issue in the season opener when the Bears were flagged 12 times. That number improved to eight penalties in Week 2 and dropped again to five penalties against Philadelphia. While there is still room for improvement, the trend is moving in the right direction. Sustaining drives becomes far easier when an offense isn’t constantly battling self-inflicted mistakes. Whether it’s Bagent or Keenum taking the snaps, helping the quarterback through sound execution, strong situational football, and a penalty-free performance will be paramount.
Then there’s the coaching chess match between Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, one of the most fascinating storylines of the week. The two spent years together in Detroit under Dan Campbell, serving as offensive and defensive coordinators while competing against each other daily in practice. Few coaching matchups feature this level of familiarity. Both know each other’s tendencies, philosophies, and preferred adjustments, which should make for a fascinating cat-and-mouse battle throughout the afternoon.
From Chicago’s perspective, this feels like the type of game where Ben Johnson can truly empty the playbook. Expect creative formations, pre-snap motion, and an emphasis on creating explosive plays while continuing to lean on the Bears’ physical rushing attack. If Chicago is successful on the ground, it could set up several opportunities for chunk plays downfield off play-action.
On the opposite sideline, expect Glenn to be equally aggressive. Unlike many defensive coordinators who rely primarily on a four-man pass rush, Glenn has built a reputation for creating pressure through confusion and disguise. He frequently crowds the line of scrimmage with five or six potential rushers before the snap, only to send unexpected defenders while dropping others into coverage. Linebackers, safeties, and cornerbacks are all featured heavily in his pressure packages, making pre-snap identification a challenge for even experienced quarterbacks.
That strategic battle between Johnson and Glenn may ultimately determine Sunday’s outcome. The Bears have the talent advantage and home-field advantage, but they’ll need their head coach to once again deliver the type of game plan that has already helped Chicago navigate injuries and adversity early this season.
As I said last week, any coach worth his mettle should be able to steal a few wins over the course of a season. Ben Johnson answered the call against Philadelphia. If the Bears are going to move to 3-1, they’ll need him to do it again.
