Case Keenum stepped onto the field for his first NFL start in almost three years and delivered a performance that helped the Chicago Bears defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-7 on Monday night. The veteran quarterback, filling in for the injured Caleb Williams, completed 24 of 34 pass attempts for a total of 247 yards and threw two touchdown passes. In addition, he scored his first rushing touchdown since 2019 on a one‑yard plunge with just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, sealing a 13‑play, eight‑minute drive that capped the Bears' dominance. Keenum’s appearance marked his first snap since he started for the Houston Texans in a 36‑22 loss to Cleveland in December 2023.
Reflecting on the opportunity, he said, "Getting a chance like this again is something you only dream about. That's why I keep showing up even after setbacks.
I've been knocked down my entire career, but I keep getting back up, coming to work, and bouncing back." His words underscored a career defined by perseverance and adaptability. Williams was sidelined with a right hamstring strain, and the Bears’ backup, Tyson Bagent, was cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol on Sunday, leaving Keenum as the man to lead the offense.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Keenum’s football IQ, noting, "He knows where every defender should be on each play and can quickly diagnose coverage. He understands why we call a particular play and what we’re looking for. If something isn’t working, he adjusts in an instant.
That’s the advantage of having fifteen‑plus years of experience at this position in the league." Wide receiver Kalif Raymond contributed significantly, hauling in six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown, helping Chicago rebound after a disappointing 9‑3 loss to Minnesota earlier in the season. The Bears, now standing at 2‑1, showed they could bounce back quickly. The Eagles, also 2‑1, struggled with ball security, committing three turnovers and failing to record a defensive takeaway for the third straight game. Philadelphia’s quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 16 of 25 passes for 153 yards but threw an interception.
Running back Saquon Barkley added 82 rushing yards on 15 carries. After the loss, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said, "We all have to own that loss.
I don’t think anyone coached well or played well. It was a true team loss, and when that happens, I have to look at myself first." Statistical highlights from the game include: - Passing: Case Keenum, 24/34, 247 yards, 2 TDs - Rushing: D'Andre Swift, 20 carries, 84 yards - Receiving: Kalif Raymond, 6 receptions, 90 yards, 1 TD - Passing: Jalen Hurts, 16/25, 153 yards, 1 INT - Rushing: Saquon Barkley, 15 carries, 82 yards - Receiving: DeVonta Smith, 6 receptions, 65 yards Keenum capped Chicago’s opening drive with a clever shovel pass to Luther Burden for an eight‑yard touchdown.
Later in the second half, he found Raymond streaking down the sideline for a 41‑yard strike that resulted in another score. The Bears built a 7‑0 lead early, but Hurts responded by marching the Eagles deep into Chicago territory in the second quarter before a hard hit from linebacker D’Marco Jackson forced him to the sideline for a concussion evaluation.
Hurts was briefly removed for checks, and backup quarterback Andy Dalton was intercepted by rookie defender Dillon Thieneman in the back of the end zone just before halftime. Hurts later explained, "I was waiting for the thumbs up. I felt fine; they already checked me.
I don’t know the exact process, but I wish it could have been expedited. I felt okay." Despite the early back‑and‑forth, Hurts managed a quarterback sneak for a touchdown as the first half ended, but the Bears took control in the final two quarters.
Late in the third quarter, linebacker TJ Edwards stripped a potential Philadelphia interception, and later in the period, he secured a crucial pick on Hurts, further dampening the Eagles’ comeback hopes. Chicago accumulated 24 first downs and rushed for 128 yards, while the Eagles managed fewer first‑down opportunities and struggled to establish a consistent ground game. The Bears’ balanced attack and disciplined defense proved decisive, especially after a 24‑15 victory in Philadelphia the previous season, where they had recorded 28 first downs and 281 rushing yards.
The game not only highlighted Keenum’s resurgence but also demonstrated the depth of Chicago’s roster and the coaching staff’s confidence in veteran leadership. For Philadelphia, the loss raised questions about ball security and the effectiveness of their defensive schemes, especially after three consecutive games without a turnover. Fans can continue to follow the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every playoff game and the Super Bowl LXI slated for February 14, 2027.
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