Bears head coach Ben Johnson speaks during training camp at Halas Hall
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson took a playful jab at Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff after Chicago’s 27-7 Monday Night Football win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field.
Johnson had just guided an offense led by Case Keenum, who started with Caleb Williams sidelined by a hamstring injury. Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions while adding a 1-yard rushing score.
The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov shared Johnson’s postgame comments on X, formerly Twitter, after the Bears improved to 2-1. Johnson referenced his experience calling plays for a less mobile quarterback while joking about the attention surrounding his first game without a former No. 1 overall pick under center.
“Well, I've got a little history with that, of calling plays for someone not so mobile. Now I don't have a history with someone that's not a number one pick, though. So that was apparently a big deal.”
#Bears HC Ben Johnson with a friendly dig at Jared Goff 😅 pic.twitter.com/TDkWTDOv0o
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 29, 2026
Johnson never mentioned Goff by name, but the connection was clear from their three seasons together with the Detroit Lions. Goff started every regular-season game Johnson called as Lions offensive coordinator from 2022 through 2024 before Johnson became the Bears’ head coach ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, then started Johnson’s first 19 games with the Bears. Monday marked Johnson’s first regular-season game as an NFL play caller without a former top overall pick at quarterback.
Keenum, a 38-year-old veteran, helped the Bears hand the Eagles their first loss of the season. The Chicago defense was everywhere, forcing three turnovers while the offense controlled the game without Williams. Johnson’s postgame remark added a lighthearted ending to a prime-time statement victory.