Case Keenum made a dramatic return to the NFL spotlight, delivering two touchdown passes in his first start in nearly 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 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 plunging into the end zone from one yard out with just over seven minutes remaining in the game. That score capped a methodical 13‑play, eight‑minute drive that showcased his poise and leadership.
Keenum's last appearance in an NFL game had been a start for the Houston Texans in December 2023, when he threw for a loss against Cleveland. Reflecting on the opportunity, he 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 a career defined by perseverance, having navigated multiple team changes, injuries, and periods on practice squads before earning this chance.
Williams was sidelined with a right hamstring strain, and backup quarterback Tyson Bagent was cleared from the NFL concussion protocol on Sunday, positioning Keenum as the starter. 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." Johnson's comments highlighted the value of Keenum's extensive experience, particularly his ability to read defenses and adjust on the fly. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond emerged as a key target, hauling in six catches 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, showed resilience and a balanced attack that combined efficient passing with a solid ground game. Philadelphia, also 2-1, struggled to protect the ball, committing three turnovers and failing 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. Running back Saquon Barkley contributed 82 rushing yards on 15 carries, but the Eagles' offense could not keep pace with the Bears' momentum.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni addressed the loss, saying, "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." His candid assessment reflected the team's need to regroup and improve execution on both sides of the ball. Statistically, Keenum's line read 24/34, 247 yards, two touchdowns, while D'Andre Swift added 20 carries for 84 rushing yards. On the Eagles' side, Hurts' line was 16/25, 153 yards, one interception, and Barkley's 15 carries for 82 yards. DeVonta Smith led Philadelphia's receiving with six catches for 65 yards.
Keenum's first drive culminated in a creative shovel pass to Luther Burden for an eight‑yard touchdown. He later connected with Raymond on a 41‑yard strike in the second half, extending the lead.
Early in the game, the Eagles struck first, with Hurts engineering a drive that put Philadelphia ahead 7-0 before a hard hit from linebacker D'Marco Jackson forced him out for a concussion evaluation. Backup Andy Dalton entered but was intercepted by rookie Dillon Thieneman in the end zone just before halftime. After the turnover, Hurts expressed frustration about the concussion protocol, 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 his concerns, Hurts managed a quarterback sneak touchdown as the first half expired, but the Bears seized control for the remainder of the contest. In the third quarter, linebacker TJ Edwards intercepted Hurts, further dampening Philadelphia's hopes. Edwards had previously dropped a potential interception on a third‑down play at the start of the second half, but his eventual pick helped seal the Bears' victory.
Chicago amassed 24 first downs and 128 rushing yards, demonstrating a balanced offensive approach. For comparison, the Bears had recorded 28 first downs and 281 rushing yards in a 24-15 win at Philadelphia the previous season, indicating a consistent ability to move the ball on the ground. The game also highlighted the depth of the Bears' roster. With Williams out, Keenum stepped up, and the offensive line gave him ample time to execute his reads.
The coaching staff's decision to trust a veteran in a high‑pressure situation paid dividends, and the win improves Chicago's standing in the early season race. Looking ahead, both teams will aim to refine their strategies.
The Bears will likely continue to leverage Keenum's experience while integrating younger talent like Swift and Raymond. The Eagles must address turnover issues and improve pass protection to give Hurts the stability he needs to lead the offense. Fans can catch all the action of the 2026 NFL season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027, via Sky Sports. The network offers live coverage, streaming options without a contract on NOW, and special deals for subscribers.