Case Keenum made a dramatic return to the NFL spotlight, delivering a standout performance that helped the Chicago Bears defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-7 on Monday night. After nearly three years without a start, Keenum threw two touchdown passes and even added a rushing score, proving his resilience and veteran savvy.
Stepping in for the injured Caleb Williams, Keenum completed 24 of 34 attempts for a total of 247 yards. His precision passing set the tone early, and he capped the effort with a one-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter. The score came on a methodical 13‑play drive that ate more than eight minutes off the clock, showcasing his ability to manage the game and keep the Bears in control. This was Keenum’s first snap since he started for Houston in a December 2023 loss to Cleveland, making the performance all the more meaningful.
"To get a shot again like this? You dream of it," Keenum said in the post‑game interview. "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 a career defined by perseverance, having navigated multiple team changes, injuries, and backup roles before earning this opportunity. Williams was sidelined with a right hamstring issue, and backup Tyson Bagent entered the game after clearing the league’s concussion protocol on Sunday.
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." The Bears’ supporting cast also stepped up. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond recorded six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown, providing a reliable target downfield. Chicago, now 2‑1 on the season after rebounding from a 9‑3 loss to Minnesota, displayed a balanced attack that kept the Eagles off‑balance. Philadelphia, also sitting at 2‑1, struggled to generate turnovers, committing three giveaways while failing to force a takeaway for the third straight game.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 16 of 25 passes for 153 yards but threw an interception, and running back Saquon Barkley contributed 82 rushing yards on 15 carries. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni lamented the team’s performance, 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, Keenum’s line read 24/34, 247 yards, two touchdowns, while D'Andre Swift added 20 carries for 84 yards on the ground.
On the Eagles’ side, Hurts’ 16/25 effort yielded 153 yards and one pick, with Barkley’s 82‑yard rushing effort providing a spark that wasn’t enough to overcome the Bears’ dominance. Keenum’s first drive culminated in a creative shovel pass to Luther Burden for an eight‑yard touchdown. Later, he connected with Raymond on a 41‑yard strike in the second half, further extending the lead. The Eagles attempted a comeback, with Hurts engineering a deep drive that was halted by a hard hit from linebacker D'Marco Jackson along the sideline.
Hurts was briefly checked for a concussion and, after a brief delay, returned to the field only to be intercepted by rookie Dillon Thieneman in the end zone just before halftime. Hurts later explained his confusion, 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 a quarterback sneak touchdown by Hurts as the first half expired, the Bears took control of the remaining two quarters.
Late in the third quarter, linebacker TJ Edwards snatched an interception, halting a Philadelphia drive. Edwards had previously dropped a potential pick on third down during the Eagles’ opening series of the second half, highlighting the Bears’ defensive adjustments.
Chicago amassed 24 first downs and 128 rushing yards, a solid ground performance that complemented their aerial attack. By contrast, the Bears recorded 28 first downs and 281 total yards in a 24‑15 victory at Philadelphia last season, indicating an upward trajectory in offensive production. The game also served as a reminder of the physical toll of professional football.
Both teams dealt with injuries and concussion protocols, underscoring the league’s ongoing emphasis on player safety. Keenum’s ability to step in, read defenses quickly, and execute under pressure exemplified the value of experienced quarterbacks who can adapt to changing circumstances. Looking ahead, the Bears will aim to build on this momentum, hoping Keenum can continue to provide stability at the quarterback position while Williams recovers.
For the Eagles, the loss highlights the need to tighten ball security and improve defensive takeaways if they hope to remain competitive in a tightly contested season. Fans can catch all the action of the 2026 NFL season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI slated for February 14, 2027, on Sky Sports. The network offers live coverage, streaming options without contracts via NOW, and the latest deals for viewers who want to stay connected to every thrilling moment of professional football.