Case Keenum made a dramatic return to the NFL spotlight, delivering two touchdown passes in his first start in almost three years as the Chicago Bears dominated the Philadelphia Eagles 27‑7 on Monday night. The veteran quarterback stepped in for the injured Caleb Williams and proved he still possesses the poise and knowledge that have sustained his long career. Keenum completed 24 of 34 attempts for 247 yards, and he capped a methodical, eight‑minute, 13‑play drive with a one‑yard rushing touchdown that marked his first ground score since 2019. The run came with 7:19 left in the fourth quarter, sealing the Bears' victory.
This appearance was Keenum’s first snap since he started for Houston in a 36‑22 loss to Cleveland in December 2023. Reflecting on the opportunity, he said, "Getting a chance like this again?
It’s something you only dream about. That’s why I keep showing up, even when I get knocked down.
I’ve been knocked down my whole career, but I keep getting back up, coming to work, and bouncing back." The sentiment resonated with Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who praised Keenum’s cerebral approach: "He knows where every defender should be on every play, and he reads coverage instantly. He understands the why behind each call and adjusts on the fly.
That’s what you get from a player with more than 15 years at this position." Williams was sidelined with a right hamstring strain, and the team’s third‑string quarterback Tyson Bagent was cleared from concussion protocol on Sunday, positioning Keenum as the immediate solution. Keenum’s chemistry with his receivers was evident early. Kalif Raymond hauled in six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown, providing a reliable target that helped Chicago rebound from a disappointing 9‑3 loss to Minnesota earlier in the week.
Philadelphia, also sitting at 2‑1, struggled to protect the ball, committing three turnovers and failing to generate a defensive takeaway for the third straight game. Jalen Hurts threw 16 of 25 for 153 yards but threw an interception, while running back Saquon Barkley contributed 82 rushing yards on 15 carries. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni lamented the collective performance, stating, "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 look at myself first." Statistically, the Bears outperformed the Eagles in several key areas. Keenum’s 24‑34 passing line translated to a 70.6 percent completion rate, two passing touchdowns, and no interceptions. Running back D’Andre Swift added 84 yards on 20 carries, while the Bears amassed 24 first downs and 128 rushing yards overall. In contrast, the Eagles managed 28 first downs but only 281 total yards on the ground in their previous meeting in Philadelphia last season, a game the Bears won 24‑15.
Key moments defined the contest. Keenum opened the scoring with a shovel pass to Luther Burden for an eight‑yard touchdown. Later, he connected with Raymond on a 41‑yard strike that extended the lead into the second half. The Eagles attempted a comeback after falling behind 7‑0, with Hurts driving deep into Bears territory in the second quarter.
However, a hard hit from linebacker D’Marco Jackson forced Hurts to the sideline for a concussion evaluation. He was briefly cleared, but before he could re‑enter, backup Andy Dalton threw an interception in the back of the end zone, a play seized by rookie defender Dillon Thieneman. Hurts later described his frustration, saying, "I was just waiting for the thumbs up. I felt fine, we already checked it.
I don’t know the exact process, but I wish it could have been expedited. I know I felt fine." Despite the setback, Hurts managed a quarterback sneak for a touchdown as the first half expired, but Chicago’s defense held firm for the remainder of the game.
Late in the third quarter, linebacker TJ Edwards intercepted Hurts, a turnover that cemented the Bears’ control. Edwards had previously dropped a potential pick on third down during Philadelphia’s opening drive of the second half, highlighting the back‑and‑forth nature of the contest.
Overall, the Bears displayed balanced offense and disciplined defense, limiting the Eagles to just one touchdown after the first half. Chicago’s ability to sustain long drives—evident in the eight‑minute, 13‑play sequence that culminated in Keenum’s rushing score—proved decisive. The victory improves the Bears’ record to 2‑1, matching the Eagles, and signals that the team can rely on veteran leadership when injuries strike.
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