Case Keenum made a dramatic return to the starting quarterback role, delivering two touchdown passes in his first NFL start in nearly three years as the Chicago Bears dominated the Philadelphia Eagles with a 27-7 win on Monday night. Keenum stepped in for the injured Caleb Williams and threw for 247 yards, completing 24 of 34 attempts. Late in the fourth quarter, with just over seven minutes left, he capped a methodical 13‑play, eight‑minute drive with a one‑yard rush for his first rushing touchdown since 2019.
This marked his first snap in a game since he started for the Houston Texans in a 36‑22 loss to Cleveland in December 2023. "Getting a chance like this again feels like a dream," Keenum said after the game. "That’s why I keep fighting, even when I get knocked down.
I’ve been knocked down my whole career, but I always get back up, show up to work, and keep bouncing back." Williams was sidelined with a right hamstring strain, and rookie Tyson Bagent served as Keenum's backup after clearing the league’s concussion protocol on Sunday. Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Keenum’s veteran instincts, noting, "He knows exactly where every defender should be on each play, and he reads coverage instantly.
He understands why we call a particular play and what we’re looking for, and if something isn’t working he adjusts in a heartbeat. That’s the kind of football IQ you get after 15-plus years at this position in the NFL." Wide receiver Kalif Raymond contributed a solid performance, hauling in six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown, helping Chicago rebound from a disappointing 9‑3 loss to Minnesota earlier in the week. The Bears are currently 2‑1 on the season, matching the Eagles, who also sit at 2‑1 but struggled with three turnovers and failed to record a defensive takeaway for the third straight game. Philadelphia’s 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. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni took responsibility for the loss, stating, "We all have to own that defeat. I don’t think anyone coached well or played well.
It was a true team loss, and when that happens I look at myself first." Stat line highlights: - 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: Jalen Hurts, 16/25, 153 yards, 1 INT - Rushing: Saquon Barkley, 15 carries, 82 yards - Receiving: DeVonta Smith, 6 catches, 65 yards Keenum’s first drive ended with a creative shovel pass to Luther Burden for an eight‑yard touchdown. In the second half, he connected with Raymond on a 41‑yard strike that resulted in another score.
After falling behind 7‑0, Hurts led the Eagles deep into Bears territory in the second quarter, only to suffer a hard hit from linebacker D’Marco Jackson along the sideline. Hurts was briefly removed for a concussion evaluation, and backup Andy Dalton was intercepted by rookie Dillon Thieneman in the back of the end zone just before halftime.
Hurts later explained his frustration, "I was waiting for the thumbs up. I felt fine; we already checked me. I don’t know the exact process, but I wish it could be expedited. I felt okay." Despite the early setback, Hurts managed a quarterback sneak for a touchdown as the first half expired.
However, the Bears seized control in the final two quarters. Late in the third quarter, linebacker TJ Edwards intercepted Hurts, though he had previously dropped a potential pick on a third‑down play in the Eagles’ opening drive of the second half. Chicago amassed 24 first downs and rushed for 128 yards, while the Eagles struggled to generate momentum.
For context, the Bears had recorded 28 first downs and 281 rushing yards in a 24‑15 victory at Philadelphia the previous season. The game underscored the value of experience and preparation in the NFL. Keenum’s ability to read defenses, manage the clock, and execute under pressure highlighted why seasoned quarterbacks remain valuable assets, especially when younger starters are sidelined by injury.
His performance also demonstrated how a well‑coached, disciplined offense can dominate a talented opponent, even when the team’s overall record is still early in the season. Looking ahead, the Bears will aim to build on this momentum, while the Eagles must address turnover issues and improve defensive takeaways if they hope to stay competitive.
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