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 threw for two touchdowns and even added a rushing score, proving that his persistence and experience still have a place in the modern game. When starting quarterback Caleb Williams was forced out with a right‑hamstring injury, the Bears turned to Keenum, who had not taken a snap as a starter since he led Houston to a 36-22 loss against Cleveland in December 2023. Keenum answered the call by completing 24 of 34 pass attempts for a total of 247 yards.
His accuracy and poise were evident throughout the game, and he capped a methodical 13‑play, eight‑minute drive with a one‑yard rushing touchdown with just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. That score marked his first rushing touchdown since the 2019 season and provided the final cushion for Chicago’s victory. "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 summed up a career defined by resilience, as he has repeatedly proven his ability to step in when teams need a reliable arm. Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Keenum’s football IQ, noting that the quarterback seemed to know exactly where each receiver should be on every play. "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," Johnson explained. Supporting Keenum’s effort, wide receiver Kalif Raymond hauled in six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown, providing a reliable target downfield. The Bears, who sit at 2‑1 on the season after a disappointing 9‑3 loss to Minnesota, showed they could bounce back quickly.
Philadelphia, also 2‑1, struggled with ball security, committing three turnovers and failing to record a defensive takeaway for the third straight game. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 16 of 25 passes for 153 yards but threw an interception that contributed to the loss.
Running back Saquon Barkley added 82 rushing yards on 15 carries, but the Eagles could not generate enough momentum to overcome Chicago’s defensive pressure. "We all have to own that loss right there," Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said.
"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 contributed 20 carries for 84 yards on the ground.
On the Eagles’ side, Hurts’ 16/25 effort yielded 153 yards and one interception, with Barkley’s 82 rushing yards standing out. Keenum’s first drive ended with a clever shovel pass to Luther Burden for an eight‑yard touchdown, and he later connected with Raymond on a 41‑yard strike in the second half, showcasing his ability to make big plays both early and late in the game. The Eagles initially took a 7‑0 lead after Hurts led a deep drive into Chicago territory, but a hard hit from linebacker D’Marco Jackson forced Hurts to the sideline for a concussion evaluation.
While he awaited clearance, backup Andy Dalton entered the game but was intercepted by rookie Dillon Thieneman in the back of the end zone just before halftime. Hurts later remarked, "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." Hurts managed to score on a quarterback sneak as the first half expired, but the Bears seized control of the remainder of the contest.
Late in the third quarter, linebacker TJ Edwards intercepted Hurts, sealing Chicago’s dominance. The Bears amassed 24 first downs and 128 rushing yards, while the Eagles were limited to 15 first downs and struggled to establish a consistent ground game. Overall, the game highlighted Keenum’s veteran savvy and the Bears’ ability to adapt when their starter is unavailable.
It also underscored the importance of ball security and depth at the quarterback position for the Eagles. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on the lessons learned from this encounter. Fans can catch every moment of the 2026 NFL season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027, via Sky Sports. The network offers live streaming options with flexible contracts through NOW, ensuring viewers never miss a play.