There were numerous criticisms of how the Chicago Bears handled Caleb Williams' development during the 2024 season. Most of it centered on head coach Matt Eberflus, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, and their horrendous process. However, another comment kept resurfacing that went somewhat unaddressed. The Bears should've added a veteran quarterback to their room. While Tyson Bagent more than earned his spot as the backup, not having somebody with extensive NFL experience for Williams to use as a sounding board was such a glaring oversight. New head coach Ben Johnson wasn't about to make that mistake. That is why the Bears moved quickly to bring in Case Keenum.
The 37-year-old is well-traveled in the NFL. He came in as an undrafted free agent and put together a long and extensive career as a backup and part-time starter. In that time, he's gotten to learn from some excellent coaches, including Gary Kubiak, Sean McDermott, and Demeco Ryans. His playoff run to the NFC championship in 2017 was a particular high point. He also developed a reputation as a terrific mentor to the likes of Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, and C.J. Stroud.
On Sunday against New York, NFL Films caught footage of him doing the same for Caleb Williams.
Case Keenum understands his job.
It comes in two parts. One is to have answers ready for any questions Williams might have during a game. The other is being your classic hype man. Be Caleb's ear constantly, reminding him he's the baddest man on the planet. All of that was on display in this clip. Case Keenum recognized the moment. The momentum was shifting. One more surge from Williams could catapult the Bears to a major comeback victory. You saw how he took Keenum's advice and gave his teammates a fiery speech in the huddle right before the final drive.
This is an element the Bears were missing last year. Williams had nobody to tell him these things when games got difficult in the final minutes. It makes an incredible difference this year. Keenum's influence has helped maximize Caleb's strengths while minimizing his weaknesses. The result is one of the better seasons by a quarterback in Bears history unfolding.
