Case Keenum stepped back onto the NFL stage after nearly three years away and delivered a standout 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, threw two touchdowns and even added a rushing score, showcasing why his experience still matters in today’s game. When Keenum entered the game, he completed 24 of 34 pass attempts for a total of 247 yards. His first touchdown came on a well‑executed shovel pass to Luther Burden, who slipped into the end zone for an eight‑yard score.
Later in the second half, Keenum connected with wide receiver Kalif Raymond on a deep 41‑yard strike, giving the Bears a comfortable lead. With the clock winding down, Keenum capped a long, methodical drive with a one‑yard quarterback sneak that put the ball in the end zone for his first rushing touchdown since 2019. The run came with just over seven minutes left in the game and marked the final scoring play of a 13‑play possession that consumed more than eight minutes of game time. The Bears’ victory was Keenum’s first action since he started for Houston in a 36‑22 loss to Cleveland in December 2023.
Reflecting on the opportunity, 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 underscored the perseverance that has defined his career, as he has repeatedly proven his ability to step in and perform when called upon. Caleb Williams was sidelined with a right hamstring strain, prompting the Bears to turn to Keenum after he cleared the NFL’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're 15‑plus years playing that position in this league." Kalif Raymond emerged as a reliable target, hauling in six receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown. His performance helped Chicago bounce back after a disappointing 9‑3 loss to Minnesota earlier in the season. The Bears, now standing at 2‑1, demonstrated a balanced attack that combined efficient passing with solid ground play.
Philadelphia, also 2‑1, struggled to generate momentum. The Eagles turned the ball over three times and failed to record a defensive takeaway for the third straight game.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 16 of 25 passes for 153 yards but threw an interception that contributed to the Bears’ growing lead. Running back Saquon Barkley contributed 82 rushing yards on 15 carries, but his efforts were not enough to shift the tide. 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 Early in the contest, the Eagles opened the scoring with a quarterback sneak by Hurts as the first half expired, giving Philadelphia a 7‑0 lead. However, the Bears responded quickly.
After a sustained drive, Keenum’s shovel pass to Burden restored parity. The momentum shifted further when Keenum found Raymond for the long touchdown, and the Bears never looked back. A pivotal moment came in the second quarter when Hurts, attempting to drive deep into Chicago territory, absorbed a hard hit from linebacker D'Marco Jackson along the sideline.
The impact forced Hurts to leave the field for a concussion evaluation. While he awaited clearance, backup quarterback Andy Dalton entered the game, only to be intercepted by rookie defender Dillon Thieneman in the back of the end zone with just over six minutes remaining before halftime. Hurts later explained, "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." In the third quarter, linebacker TJ Edwards seized a crucial interception, halting a Philadelphia drive and cementing Chicago’s defensive dominance. Edwards had previously dropped a potential pick on a third‑down play, but his later turnover proved decisive.
The Bears finished the game with 24 first downs and 128 rushing yards, while the Eagles were limited to three turnovers and could not generate a single takeaway for the third straight game. Overall, the Bears displayed a well‑rounded performance, combining veteran poise at quarterback, timely playmaking from their receivers, and a stout defensive effort that forced multiple turnovers. Keenum’s return not only provided a spark for the offense but also highlighted the value of experience and preparation in the NFL.
The victory positions Chicago as a team to watch as the season progresses, while Philadelphia will need to address its turnover issues and improve its defensive consistency if it hopes to remain competitive. Fans can continue to follow the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, with comprehensive coverage of every game, playoff matchup, and the upcoming Super Bowl LXI slated for Sunday, February 14, 2027. For those interested in flexible viewing options, Sky Sports also offers streaming through NOW without a contract, ensuring that supporters can keep up with all the action wherever they are.