Case Keenum made a dramatic return to the NFL spotlight, throwing two touchdown passes in his first start in nearly three years and helping the Chicago Bears dominate the Philadelphia Eagles 27‑7 on Monday night. The veteran quarterback stepped in for the injured Caleb Williams and delivered a performance that reminded fans why his name still carries weight in the league. Keenum completed 24 of 34 attempts for 247 yards, a stat line that underscored his accuracy and poise under pressure. The most memorable moment of his night came with just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, when he powered his way into the end zone on a one‑yard rush for his first rushing touchdown since the 2019 season.
The score capped a methodical 13‑play, eight‑minute drive that ate up the clock and effectively sealed the victory for Chicago. Before this game, Keenum’s last appearance as a starter was back in December 2023, when he led the Houston Texans against the Cleveland Browns in a 36‑22 defeat. Reflecting on his unexpected second chance, Keenum said, "To get a shot again like this?
You dream of it. That's why I'm still here doing this when I get knocked down. I got knocked down my whole career.
I just keep getting up, coming to work, just keep bouncing back." His words capture the resilience that has defined his more than 15‑year career in the NFL. Williams, the Bears’ regular starter, was sidelined with a right hamstring injury, prompting the team to turn to Keenum after he cleared the league’s concussion protocol on Sunday. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent was also on the sidelines, ready to step in if needed. Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Keenum’s football IQ, noting, "He knows where everyone is supposed to be on every single play and so he is really quick to recognise coverage.
He knows why we’re calling the play and what we’re looking for, and if we’re not getting that he’s accelerating through it really quickly. That’s what you get when you’ve spent fifteen‑plus years playing this position in this league." Wide receiver Kalif Raymond contributed significantly to the offensive surge, hauling in six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. The Bears, who sit at 2‑1 on the season after rebounding from a disappointing 9‑3 loss to Minnesota, showed a balanced attack that combined efficient passing with a strong ground game. The Eagles, also 2‑1, struggled to find rhythm.
Philadelphia turned the ball over three times and failed to record a defensive takeaway for the third straight game of the season. Quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 16 of 25 attempts for 153 yards but threw an interception.
Running back Saquon Barkley added 82 rushing yards on 15 carries, yet the overall offensive output fell short of expectations. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni took responsibility for the loss, stating, "We all have to own that loss right there. I don’t think anybody coached well.
I don’t think anyone played well. It was a true team loss. And when it’s a true team loss, you know I have to look at myself first." Statistically, the game broke down as follows: - Passing: Case Keenum, 24/34, 247 yards, 2 TDs - Rushing: D’Andre Swift, 20 carries, 84 yards - Receiving: Kalif Raymond, 6 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD - Passing (Eagles): Jalen Hurts, 16/25, 153 yards, 1 INT - Rushing (Eagles): Saquon Barkley, 15 carries, 82 yards - Receiving (Eagles): DeVonta Smith, 6 catches, 65 yards Keenum’s first drive ended with a clever shovel pass to Luther Burden for an eight‑yard touchdown. Later, he connected with Raymond on a deep 41‑yard strike that further extended the lead in the second half.
After falling behind 7‑0, Hurts orchestrated a promising drive that took the Eagles deep into Bears territory, but a hard hit from linebacker D’Marco Jackson forced him to the sideline for a concussion evaluation. Backup Andy Dalton entered the game, only to be intercepted by rookie defender Dillon Thieneman in the end zone with just over six minutes left in the first half.
Hurts later explained his frustration, saying, "I was just waiting for the thumbs up. I felt fine, we already checked it. I don’t know the extent of the process. Obviously, I wish we could have expedited things.
I know I felt fine." Despite the setback, Hurts managed a quarterback sneak for a touchdown as the first half expired, but the Bears took control of the final two quarters. Late in the third quarter, linebacker TJ Edwards stripped the ball from an Eagles receiver, and a subsequent interception by Edwards halted any momentum Philadelphia might have tried to build.
Chicago’s offense amassed 24 first downs and 128 rushing yards, while the Bears’ defense forced three turnovers and limited the Eagles to just one take‑away. For context, the Bears had previously defeated Philadelphia 24‑15 at home last season, recording 28 first downs and 281 rushing yards in that contest. The game not only marked a personal triumph for Keenum but also signaled that the Bears can rely on veteran leadership when their starter is unavailable. As the season progresses, Chicago’s ability to adapt and draw on experienced players could prove pivotal in a competitive NFC North.
Fans can continue to follow the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every playoff game and the Super Bowl LXI on Sunday, February 14, 2027. For those interested in flexible viewing options, Sky Sports offers streaming packages with no contract commitments through the NOW platform.