Bears coach Ben Johnson orchestrated a unique lineup strategy that resulted in Case Keenum earning a starting win despite playing only a single snap.
The snap lasted less than three seconds, but it was enough to reshape the record books. When Case Keenum walked off the field after the game’s opening play against the Jets, he left the heavy lifting to Tyson Bagent, who proceeded to log all 93 remaining snaps for the Chicago Bears.
Bears coach Ben Johnson pulled the stunt on Sunday, lining up both quarterbacks simultaneously. While Keenum took the ball under center, Bagent stood wide, effectively playing as a receiver for the game’s duration. The final score settled at 23-12, a victory that, by the letter of the NFL rulebook, belongs to Keenum.
An NFL spokesman confirmed that the Elias Sports Bureau instructed the league to credit Keenum with both the start and the win. as he was the individual who officially took the first snap. Johnson dismissed the statistical curiosity with a shrug after the game. “Good for him,” Johnson said when informed of the record. “I think the team gets credited for a win.”.
There is a cold logic to the chaos. League regulations dictate that if two quarterbacks are on the field for the first play. the starter is the one who physically takes the snap. The protocol remains rigid regardless of positioning; even in a wildcat formation where a running back handles the snap. the quarterback lined up wide would still be credited with the start. provided he is the only signal-caller on the field.
The administrative math now adds another win to Keenum’s career record, which currently stands at 32-36. This season, he holds a 2-0 record as the Bears’ starter, contrasting with Bagent’s 2-2 mark. Despite Sunday’s unconventional opening. the team is expected to return to more traditional personnel usage. with Bagent slated to start against the Packers this coming Sunday.
Case Keenum Tyson Bagent Ben Johnson Bears NFL starting quarterback game stats