As John Madden used to say at times like this, “It’s time to open a new can of quarterbacks.”
Actually, the Chicago Bears tonight are opening an old can when they start 15-year veteran Case Keenum against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. A week ago, Keenum was listed third on Chicago’s depth chart, but Caleb Williams is out with an injury and his first backup, Tyson Bagent, spent the week in concussion protocol before being cleared this morning to play.
Head coach Ben Johnson chose to stick with Keenum who has taken all the reps in the practices leading up to tonight’s kickoff. Still, the availability of Bagent is an insurance policy against having no reliable backup if the vet gets knocked out of action tonight.
Perhaps the world would rather have the stage set where two NFL top quarterbacks were ready to play, the Eagles Jalen Hurts and the Bears young star, Williams. That would be a more attractive draw for the game, but the current situation is an advantage that by my count concerns the more important aspect of this contest; the wagering edge.
Had Williams been matched against Hurts tonight the Bears would have been getting a point on the spread or have the game go off as a pick ‘em. With the need to start their backup quarterback, the Bears have a better chance of winning the game and get 3½ points on the line.
What do I mean “a better chance of winning” because their top quarterback is sidelined?