Ben Johnson Mocks Goff's Mobility Again After Bears Win with Keenum

Key points

• Ben Johnson stated he has 'a little history' calling plays for non-mobile quarterbacks, a comment widely interpreted as a dig at Jared Goff.
• The Bears defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-7 on Monday Night Football, with Case Keenum throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns.
• Case Keenum had not played a regular-season game in 1,009 days prior to this performance.
• Johnson noted that he has only coached first-overall draft picks (Goff in 2016, Williams in 2024) until now, as Keenum went undrafted in 2012.
• This is the second instance of Johnson making comments regarding Goff's mobility, having previously apologized in 2025 for similar remarks.

Background

In 2025, Ben Johnson faced backlash after comparing the mobility of Caleb Williams to the lack of mobility of Jared Goff. Johnson later clarified that his comments were not intended as an insult but rather to highlight Williams' athletic abilities. Recently, the Bears suffered a 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, sparking media debate over Caleb Williams' handling of a minor hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Jared Goff has been praised by Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell for his underrated poise and accuracy, despite his limited rushing statistics.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and CBS Sports both report that Johnson's comments were perceived as a dig at Goff, though Johnson likely intends to clarify again that his remarks were not malicious. NBC Sports notes Johnson's 'refreshing cheekiness' and smirk during the interview, suggesting he knew the implication of his words. CBS Sports emphasizes the statistical contrast, noting Goff's 611 career rushing yards versus Williams' 984 yards in two seasons. The Chicago Sun-Times focuses on Johnson's dismissal of the internet's fascination with his quarterback history, framing the comment as a response to critics who doubt his ability to win without elite, mobile quarterbacks. All sources agree that the Bears' victory with Keenum serves as a counter-narrative to claims that Johnson requires a top-tier mobile quarterback to succeed.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing debates about quarterback mobility and coaching adaptability in the NFL. Johnson's success with Keenum, a veteran who had been inactive for over three years, challenges the narrative that he relies solely on elite, mobile quarterbacks. It also underscores the tension between public perception and actual performance, as Johnson uses his comments to deflect criticism while simultaneously engaging in playful banter with a former colleague.

What to watch

The Bears are scheduled to face the New York Jets next week. The team is currently 2-1, having won the NFC North in their first season under Johnson. Critics will continue to monitor Johnson's ability to manage the roster, particularly with Caleb Williams returning from a hamstring strain. The broader NFL community may debate the value of pocket passers versus mobile quarterbacks, with Goff's recent success in Detroit serving as a counterpoint to Johnson's comments.