The Chicago Bears and New York Jets meet Sunday in a matchup that pits Ben Johnson against his former colleague Aaron Glenn for the first time as head coaches. Both teams bring strong records into Week 4, though the path to getting here could not have been more different.
Chicago won its third straight game with a 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bears dominated the trenches and forced three turnovers while holding the Eagles to seven points in the second half. Third-string quarterback Case Keenum led the offense, completing 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards with three touchdowns. New York, meanwhile, has found itself in a different kind of fight.
Case Keenum’s Strong Day Against the Eagles
Keenum orchestrated Johnson’s offense with precision. His efficiency was notable: 24 completions on 34 attempts, and 247 yards through the air. He accounted for three total touchdowns, and his leadership kept the offense running smoothly despite the team’s quarterback injury issues.
The defense deserves equal credit. Chicago held the Eagles to just seven points, forcing three turnovers and shutting them down entirely in the second half. The unit’s performance was the difference in the game, and it set the tone for the rest of the season.
What the Stats Show
The statistical breakdown paints a clear picture of where each team stands. The Bears lead the league in rushing offense at 184.3 yards per game, while the Jets rank 27th at 92.3 yards per game. That gap tells you everything about the two teams’ identities.
| Category | Bears | Jets |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring offense | 29.7 PPG (5th) | 21.3 PPG (17th) |
| Passing offense | 223.7 YPG (15th) | 236.7 YPG (11th) |
| Rushing offense | 184.3 YPG (1st) | 92.3 YPG (27th) |
| Total offense | 408.0 YPG (3rd) | 329.0 YPG (13th) |
| Penalties | 53.3 penalty YPG (13th) | 78.0 penalty YPG (30th) |
| Sacks allowed | 6 (T-13th) | 9 (T-24th) |
| Turnover margin | +3 (T-4th) | +1 (T-13th) |
On defense, the Jets hold the edge in passing yards allowed, giving up just 171.0 per game compared to the Bears’ 207.0. The Bears counter with a stronger overall total defense, ranking 15th to the Jets’ second. The Jets also lead in rushing yards allowed, giving up just 87.3 per game compared to the Bears’ 117.0.
The Coaching Matchup
Johnson and Glenn will face each other for the first time since their coaching careers took separate paths. The matchup adds an extra layer to a game already rich with talent on both sides. The result will settle who has the better game plan for this week.
What to Watch
The Jets will need to find answers against a Bears defense that ranks seventh in scoring defense, allowing just 17.7 points per game. Chicago’s ability to force turnovers and shut down opponents in the second half is a major strength. The Jets have a weak rushing defense, ranking 27th, which could be exposed against a solid Bears front.
New York’s offense has been efficient through the air, averaging 236.7 yards per game. But the lack of a running game and the team’s penalty problems could create opportunities for Chicago’s defense to exploit. The Jets have also shown a tendency to give up big plays, which could hurt them against a Bears offense that ranks third in total offense.
The Key Numbers
- Bears rushing yards per game: 184.3, 1st in the league
- Jets rushing yards per game: 92.3, 27th in the league
- Bears scoring offense: 29.7 PPG, 5th in the league
- Jets scoring offense: 21.3 PPG, 17th in the league
- Jets passing yards allowed: 171.0 per game, 3rd in the league
These numbers tell the story of two teams headed in opposite directions. The Bears have built their identity around a punishing ground attack, while the Jets have struggled to run the ball effectively, ranking 27th in rushing offense. That contrast sets up a fascinating clash of styles.
The Bottom Line
Sunday’s game will test both teams’ strengths and expose their weaknesses. The Bears have the rushing attack to control the clock and the defense to shut down opponents. The Jets have the passing game to move the ball but will need to improve their running game and reduce penalties to compete.
The matchup between Johnson and Glenn adds a human element to an already compelling contest. Their history together gives the game a personal angle that goes beyond the stats.
The Bears enter as the more complete team, but football is unpredictable. A single turnover, a late interception, or a missed call can change everything. Sunday’s game will settle the question, and both fan bases will be watching closely.
The Ranking Order
- Bears rushing yards per game: 184.3, 1st in the league
- Jets rushing yards per game: 92.3, 27th in the league
- Bears scoring offense: 29.7 PPG, 5th in the league
- Jets scoring offense: 21.3 PPG, 17th in the league
- Jets passing yards allowed: 171.0 per game, 3rd in the league
This list ranks the five most telling statistics from the matchup, ordered by how they shape the game.
Source material: “Statistical Breakdown: How Bears and Jets stack up before Week 4,” Yahoo Sports.
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