Ben Johnson Sounds Off On Bears’ Qb Situation: "They Need To Step Up Or We’ll Be Stuck!"

As the preseason opener fades into memory, the spotlight is firmly on the Chicago Bears' quarterback situation, and it’s clear that head coach Ben Johnson isn’t satisfied with what he saw from Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum. With the Bears entering a pivotal year, the performance of their quarterbacks is under intense scrutiny. In his latest comments, Johnson expressed significant concern over Bagent’s inconsistency and Keenum’s lack of impact, warning that unless both players elevate their games, the team could find

Bagent’s Inconsistent Play Raises Concerns

Tyson Bagent, who entered the NFL as a promising rookie with a lot of potential, has shown flashes of talent but has struggled with consistency. While he demonstrated good arm strength and mobility, his ability to execute under pressure was noticeably lacking during the preseason opener. Bagent’s decision-making seemed shaky, and his inability to move the offense efficiently led to stalled drives and missed opportunities. Coach Ben Johnson didn’t hold back, stating, “Bagent’s inconsistency is concerning.” The rookie’s performance has led to doubts about his readiness to take on a starting role in the immediate future.

Johnson is fully aware that Bagent’s development is key to the Bears' long-term success. However, the question remains: Can he grow quickly enough to contribute to the team in 2025? With the Bears desperately needing a reliable signal-caller, Johnson’s comments serve as a wake-up call for Bagent to sharpen his skills and prove that he has the mental toughness required to lead an NFL team.

Keenum’s Veteran Presence Falls Short

On the other hand, Case Keenum, the seasoned veteran brought in to offer leadership and stability, has also failed to live up to expectations. While Keenum is undoubtedly experienced, his performance in the opener lacked the sharpness and effectiveness needed to energize the offense. He wasn’t able to inspire confidence with his play, leaving fans and coaches alike wondering if the veteran is truly the answer the Bears need.

Coach Johnson’s frustration with Keenum was evident when he commented, “Keenum’s lack of impact isn’t helping either.” While Keenum is respected for his ability to manage games and provide valuable mentorship, his lack of explosiveness and big-play potential against competitive defenses raises legitimate questions. As a backup quarterback, Keenum’s role was expected to be pivotal, not just in managing the game but in providing a steady hand during moments of adversity. Unfortunately, that was missing in the preseason opener.

The Stakes Are High: Time for Improvement

Johnson’s message to both Bagent and Keenum is clear: they must elevate their games if the Bears hope to avoid a stagnant season. The team cannot afford to waste any more time with inconsistent quarterback play. The Bears are in a crucial phase of their rebuild, and Johnson knows that strong quarterback play is the foundation of any successful team. If neither Bagent nor Keenum can rise to the occasion, the Bears could find themselves trapped in the same cycle of mediocrity that has plagued the franchise in recent years.

As the regular season approaches, the pressure is on for both quarterbacks to prove they can handle the responsibility that comes with leading an NFL offense. The Bears will need them to step up, not just as players, but as leaders capable of taking the team to the next level. If they fail to do so, Chicago’s quarterback woes will continue, and the team will be left searching for answers in a season that could end up feeling all too familiar.

In the coming weeks, expect a fierce battle for the starting position, as Bagent and Keenum fight to prove they are the answer to the Bears’ quarterback dilemma. If they don’t rise to the challenge, the Bears' search for a true leader under center will drag on.