Veteran QB Case Keenum Keeping Up with the Young Guns

Introduction to the Competition

The Bears have yet to settle on who will be quarterback Caleb Williams’ backup. Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum have both looked sharp in training camp, and while Bagent had made major strides the last two seasons, Keenum is far from ready to accept merely a mentor role.

Experience vs. Youth

Going into his 14th season at age 37, Keenum has the advantage of having a far bigger mental database than Bagent, but must prove he has the arm and agility for the position, too. “I feel the fire of competition with whatever I’m doing,” Keenum said of the competition. “I compete with those guys, and I hope that that brings out the fire in them as well.”

The Mental Edge

While Keenum’s knowledge gives him an edge over Williams and Bagent in the meeting room, he’s scrambling to keep up with the twenty-somethings on the field, as well as on their phones. This dual challenge highlights the complexities of being a veteran player in a rapidly changing sport and social media landscape.

Staying Relevant in the Digital Age

“I love getting to hang out with guys who are really young and see what the latest TikTok things are or whatever,” Keenum said with a laugh. “I miss out on some of the [Instagram] Reels they send each other because I don’t have it on my phone, but they fill me in before meetings.” This shows Keenum’s effort to stay connected with his younger teammates, both on and off the field.

Recent Performance and History

Keenum was on injured reserve with the Texans last season. He hasn’t played extensively since appearing in 10 games for the Commanders in 2019. Bagent started four games as a rookie in 2023, but played just 13 snaps last season. The contrast in their recent playing experience adds another layer to the competition for the backup role.

Conclusion

The competition between Case Keenum, Tyson Bagent, and the dynamic presence of Caleb Williams will be a storyline to watch as the season unfolds. Keenum’s determination to keep up, both on the field and in the digital realm, showcases his commitment to the sport and his role within the team. As the Bears move forward, the backup quarterback position will be a critical factor in their strategy and success.

FAQs

• Q: Who is competing for the backup quarterback role in the Bears?
  • A: Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent are the primary competitors for the role.
• Q: What gives Case Keenum an edge in the competition?
  • A: Keenum’s extensive experience and larger mental database of the game give him an edge, particularly in the meeting room.
• Q: How is Keenum adapting to the younger teammates and technology?
  • A: Keenum is making an effort to stay connected with his younger teammates through social media platforms like TikTok and by engaging with them about the latest trends.
• Q: What are the recent playing experiences of Keenum and Bagent?
  • A: Keenum was on injured reserve last season and hasn’t played extensively since 2019. Bagent started four games as a rookie in 2023 but saw limited action last season.