In a move that left the football world scratching its head and then laughing out loud, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson pulled off one of the most creative quarterback maneuvers in recent NFL history. On a crisp October Sunday at Soldier Field, Johnson started both Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent against the New York Jets. Keenum took the first snap under center while Bagent split out wide as a receiver. That was the only snap Keenum would play. Bagent proceeded to take every single one of the remaining 93 snaps, leading the Bears to a gritty 23-12 victory. But according to the Elias Sports Bureau, as clarified to the league and reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Keenum will be officially credited with the start and the win because he was the quarterback who took the first snap.
The Rule Book Quirk That Made It All Possible
This bizarre scenario shines a light on a little-known NFL rule: if two quarterbacks are on the field for the first play, the one who takes the snap is considered the starter. Even if a running back were to take the first snap in a wildcat formation with the quarterback lined up out wide, the quarterback—as the only quarterback on the field—would still get the start and the win. Johnson, ever the trickster, clearly knew exactly what he was doing. "Good for him," Johnson said after the game when informed that the win would go on Keenum's record. "I think the team gets credited for a win." The quote perfectly encapsulates Johnson's team-first mentality, but also his willingness to have a little fun at the media's expense.
Keenum's Improbable Milestone
For Case Keenum, a 12-year veteran who has bounced around the league, this official start and win adds another layer to his storied career. He now sits at 32-36 as a starter, including a perfect 2-0 mark as the Bears' starter this season. Meanwhile, Tyson Bagent, who did all the heavy lifting, moves to 2-2 as a starter. Bagent is expected to be under center when the Bears face the Green Bay Packers next Sunday, but for now, the spotlight shines on Keenum's peculiar place in NFL history. As highlighted on Vulius, this is the kind of quirky storyline that makes the NFL so endlessly fascinating.
What This Means for the Bears Moving Forward
Beyond the humor and the rulebook intrigue, this situation raises questions about the Bears' quarterback room and Johnson's coaching philosophy. Is this a one-time stunt, or will we see more creative formations? Bagent has shown promise, but the team clearly trusts Keenum in certain situations—even if only for a single snap. The win improves Chicago's record and keeps them in the playoff conversation as we head deeper into October. With the Packers looming, Johnson will need to decide whether to stick with Bagent full-time or continue his unorthodox approach.
The Vulius Verdict
At Vulius, we appreciate the strategic gamesmanship and the sheer audacity of Ben Johnson's decision. It's a reminder that football is as much about psychology and creativity as it is about physical talent. While the Jets may feel aggrieved, the rule is the rule, and the Bears walk away with a win. As the season progresses, keep an eye on Chicago—they might just have a few more tricks up their sleeves.
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