NFL: New York Jets at Chicago Bears
NFL: New York Jets at Chicago Bears
Tyson Bagent waited nearly three years for what looked like another NFL start. Then he completed 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards, guided the Chicago Bears through a commanding win over the New York Jets and helped move the team to 3-1.
Officially, though, he did not start the game. He did not get the win, either. That distinction belongs to Case Keenum, who handled one offensive snap.
After a week of mystery about the QB position, the Bears opened Sunday’s game with both quarterbacks on the field. Keenum lined up behind center, while Bagent was positioned outside. Keenum took the snap, flipped it to D’Andre Swift for a modest gain and then walked off the field. Bagent took command of the offense from there and played quarterback for the rest of Chicago’s 23-12 victory.
It was supposed to be a fun, harmless wrinkle. Instead, it cost Bagent two milestones.
NFL: Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans3
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during pre-game warmups at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The NFL relies on Elias Sports Bureau guidelines for its official quarterback designations. When two quarterbacks are on the field for a team’s first offensive play, the player who receives the snap is deemed the starter. Since Keenum took that opening snap, the veteran is officially listed as the starter and receives the victory.
Bagent’s career record remains 2-2. His official total of starts remains four. All four came during his rookie season in 2023.
It makes for one of the strangest statistical outcomes the Bears will see all year. Bagent did everything fans typically associate with a starting quarterback. He handled the passing game, managed the huddle, helped Chicago control the ball for more than 42 minutes and led an offense that gained 492 yards.
Keenum touched the football once. But quarterback wins have never been a perfectly sensible stat, and Sunday took the weirdness to another level. Though they impact winning more than anyone else, they surely have to rely on the guys around them.
Ben Johnson was fully aware that he was creating an unusual moment. The Bears coach had refused to publicly reveal whether Bagent or Keenum would start against the Jets after Caleb Williams was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Bagent had entered training camp as Chicago’s No. 2 quarterback, but Keenum had started against Philadelphia the previous week while Bagent was still recovering from a concussion.
NFL: Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans3
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum (11) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Keenum responded to that opportunity with a memorable performance. The 38-year-old threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, added a rushing score and helped the Bears dismantle the Eagles, 27-7. Johnson wanted to recognize that effort.
He also wanted to have a little fun after reports surfaced that Bagent would be the starter against New York.
“I got all these memos saying that Tyson was starting before I ever made an announcement,” Johnson said after the game. “So I wanted to get Case out there first time. It was like his ceremonial first pitch out there, handing off the torch.”
It was vintage Johnson: a small bit of gamesmanship, a tribute to a veteran and a way to make the defense process something unusual before the game even settled in. Bagent was not blindsided by it. He said Johnson had hinted during the week that a creative package might appear, and he saw value in forcing the Jets to react to an unconventional look.
“It’s just good eye candy for the defense,” Bagent added. “You give them weird personnel like that.”
From a football standpoint, the opening play was inconsequential. From a record-book standpoint, it was everything.
Bagent’s performance still mattered far more than the official designation. He made some difficult throws, completed enough passes to keep Chicago’s long drives alive and showed poise after waiting 1,061 days between meaningful starts. He also made mistakes, including an interception, but Ben Johnson praised his control of the operation and overall efficiency.
Most importantly, the Bears won. Johnson gave the cleanest answer when informed that Keenum, rather than Bagent, would get the official quarterback victory.
NFL: New York Jets at Chicago Bears3
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
“Good for him,” Johnson said. “I think the team gets credited for a win.”
That is true. The Bears received the win because their offense owned the ball, Kyle Monangai punished the Jets on the ground and the defense allowed just seven first downs. Still, Bagent has every right to find the statistical result a little frustrating. He was the quarterback who did the work, but the record will forever show an appearance rather than a start.
Fortunately, he will have a chance to make that distinction disappear soon. Johnson has already named Bagent the starter for Sunday’s trip to Lambeau Field. If Chicago beats Green Bay, there should be no debate over who earned the start or the win.
At least, not unless Johnson has another one-play surprise ready.