From CBS Sports · · 1m 30s
Ben Johnson's untested backup QB challenge
The Bears coach has never called plays for anyone but a first-overall pick, and now he might have to start a 38-year-old.
In brief
The Bears coach has never called plays for anyone but a first-overall pick, and now he might have to start a 38-year-old. Ben Johnson is about to face his first experience as a play-caller without an elite starting quarterback, a situation that has never happened in his NFL coaching career. Originally reported by CBS…
Williams injured in Vikings game
Caleb Williams suffered a lower-body hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of Chicago's Week 2 loss to Minnesota. He'll miss time, including Monday's game against Philadelphia.
Backup QB also sidelined
Second-string quarterback Tyson Bagent is in concussion protocol, leaving 38-year-old Case Keenum as the likely starter for Week 3.
Johnson's unprecedented situation
Ben Johnson has never called plays for a backup quarterback forced to start, and he's never called plays for any starting QB not selected first overall in the draft.
Perfect record with elite QBs
Caleb Williams started all 17 games last season under Johnson. Before that, Jared Goff never missed a start during Johnson's three years as Detroit's offensive coordinator.
Bears lean on rushing attack
Chicago leads the league with 212.5 rushing yards per game. The Eagles rank ninth-worst in run defense at 127.0 yards allowed, making the ground game critical for Johnson's game plan.
Chance to prove coaching mettle
Johnson can establish himself as a young coaching star by winning a primetime game with a backup quarterback after Chicago's recent struggles at home.
The headline
Ben Johnson is about to face his first experience as a play-caller without an elite starting quarterback, a situation that has never happened in his NFL coaching career.
