The Chicago Bears are looking at the very real possibility of starting Case Keenum in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles. News broke early in the week that Tyson Bagent is dealing with a concussion leaving his status very much in question for the third game of the season. While Caleb Williams is far closer to health than it appeared after last Sunday's injury, there is an expectation that the quarterback will be held out at least a week to make sure things don't get any worse.
Leading us back to Keenum and wondering what fans might expect from the veteran backup. Keenum grabbed attention in the preseason, putting together an incredible run and showing he is still capable of making every needed throw. With this in mind, let's look at realistic goals for Keenum if the quarterback is going to get the start on Monday Night Football.
1. Let it Fly
Keenum doesn't have anything left to prove at this point of his career. This is a piece of why it is a positive to have the quarterback starting. You're a veteran backup with nothing to lose and a position of respect no matter how things turn out on Monday. Go out and push the ball down the field and keep the defense honest being unafraid of turnovers, but taking every opportunity to make a push to take control of the game early and put pressure on Philadelphia.
If Keenum starts, the defense is going to be expecting a heavy dose of D'Andre Swift and the Chicago running game. Let Keenum play freely from the start. Keeping the defense off balance is their only real path to a win, and there's little to lose if it fails.
2. Get Luther Burden Engaged Early
Burden can be electric with the ball in his hands and the Bears are yet to fully unlock this ability. Call quick slants and easy completions to get Keenum and Burden on the same page early and get the star receiver the hot start fans have been waiting for. This will keep the defense playing back a bit understanding that if they are playing the run they are one missed tackle away from a Burden house call.
Getting the receiver the ball early is arguably the most important factor to keep the offense balanced and allow Keenum to settle in. While you never want to force decisions there should be a scheme in place that allows Burden to get rolling early on.
3. Have a Short Memory
If Keenum plays the style that he needs to allow the Bears a chance to win it will result in at least one turnover. Playing a gunslinger style is the way you're going to get the best of Keenum and push a Philadelphia secondary that has appeared to be the most concerning piece of a talented defense. Whenever the mistake happens the veteran will need to be able to shake it off and go back out unafraid to continue to push the ball.
No question, the Bears are in a great position if this is the style Keenum chooses to adopt if he plays on Monday night. A reality that appears increasingly possible as the Bears are running out of options at the position.
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