Case Keenum made a triumphant return to the NFL spotlight, delivering two touchdown passes in his first start in nearly three years and helping the Chicago Bears defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-7 on Monday night. The veteran quarterback stepped in for the injured Caleb Williams and proved his worth by completing 24 of 34 attempts for a total of 247 yards. In addition to his aerial success, Keenum added a rushing touchdown—the first he had scored on the ground since 2019—by diving into the end zone from one yard out with just over seven minutes left in the game, sealing a 13‑play, eight‑minute drive that capped the Bears' dominance.
This appearance marked Keenum's first snap since he started for Houston in a 36-22 loss to Cleveland back in December 2023, making the performance all the more significant for the veteran. "Getting a chance like this again?
It’s something you only dream about," Keenum said in the post‑game interview. "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." His words reflected the resilience that has defined his 15‑plus‑year career in the league.
Williams was sidelined with a right hamstring strain, and backup quarterback Tyson Bagent entered the game after clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol on Sunday. Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Keenum’s football IQ, noting, "He knows exactly where every defender should be on each play, and he reads coverage in an instant.
He understands why we call a particular play and what we’re looking for. If something isn’t working, he adjusts quickly. That’s the kind of experience you get after more than a decade and a half at this position." Wide receiver Kalif Raymond contributed six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown, providing a reliable target for Keenum throughout the contest.
The Bears, who sit at 2‑1 after a disappointing 9‑3 loss to Minnesota, rebounded strongly, while the Eagles also held a 2‑1 record but struggled with ball security, committing three turnovers and failing to force a takeaway for the third straight game. Philadelphia’s quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 16 of 25 attempts for 153 yards but threw an interception, and running back Saquon Barkley rushed for 82 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 have to 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 receptions, 90 yards, 1 TD - Passing: Jalen Hurts, 16/25, 153 yards, 1 INT - Rushing: Saquon Barkley, 15 carries, 82 yards - Receiving: DeVonta Smith, 6 receptions, 65 yards Keenum’s first drive ended with a clever shovel pass to Luther Burden for an eight‑yard touchdown, and later he connected with Raymond on a 41‑yard strike for a second score in the second half. 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 taken off the field for a concussion evaluation, and backup Andy Dalton was intercepted by rookie Dillon Thieneman in the end zone just before halftime.
Hurts later explained his frustration, saying, "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 faster. I felt okay." He did manage a quarterback sneak for a touchdown as the half ended, but the Bears took control of the remaining two quarters.
In the third quarter, linebacker TJ Edwards intercepted Hurts, though he later dropped a potential pick on a third‑down play for Philadelphia. Chicago amassed 24 first downs and 128 rushing yards, while the Bears’ previous season’s visit to Philadelphia had produced 28 first downs and 281 ground yards in a 24‑15 win. The game underscored Keenum’s veteran poise and the Bears’ ability to adapt when their starter is unavailable. It also highlighted the Eagles’ ongoing issues with turnovers and consistency on both sides of the ball.
As the season progresses, Chicago will look to build on this performance, while Philadelphia must address its ball‑security problems if it hopes to stay competitive. Fans can catch every moment of the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, including all playoff action and Super Bowl LXI on Sunday, February 14, 2027. For the latest Sky Sports offers or to stream without a contract, visit NOW.