Case Keenum made a dramatic return to the starting quarterback role, delivering two touchdown passes in his first NFL start in nearly three years as the Chicago Bears dominated the Philadelphia Eagles with a 27-7 victory on Monday night. The veteran stepped in for the injured Caleb Williams and immediately showed why his experience still matters in the league.
Keenum completed 24 of 34 attempts for a total of 247 yards, showcasing precise accuracy and poise under pressure. His performance was capped off with a short, one-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter—his first rushing score since the 2019 season—bringing the Bears' lead to an insurmountable 27-7. That score came after a methodical 13-play, eight‑minute drive that ate up the clock and demonstrated the Bears' ability to control the tempo of the game. The last time Keenum saw action as a starter was back in December 2023, when he led Houston in a 36-22 loss to Cleveland.
Reflecting on his unexpected opportunity, Keenum 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 capture the resilience that has defined his professional journey. Williams, the Bears' primary starter, was sidelined with a right hamstring strain, prompting the coaching staff to turn to Keenum after he cleared the league’s concussion protocol on Sunday.
Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent was also available, but the coaches trusted Keenum’s deep knowledge of the playbook and his ability to read defenses instantly. "He knows where everyone is supposed to be on every single play and so he is really quick to recognise coverage," Bears head coach Ben Johnson explained. "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." Wide receiver Kalif Raymond was a key target, hauling in six receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown. His performance helped the Bears rebound after a disappointing 9-3 loss to Minnesota earlier in the season.
The Bears now sit at 2-1, matching the Eagles' record, but the Eagles struggled with ball security, turning the ball over three times and failing to record a defensive takeaway for the third straight game. Philadelphia 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. After the loss, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni took responsibility, 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, the game broke down as follows: - Passing: Case Keenum, 24/34, 247 yards, 2 TDs - Rushing: D'Andre Swift, 20 carries, 84 yards - Receiving: Kalif Raymond, 6 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD - Passing: Jalen Hurts, 16/25, 153 yards, 1 INT - Rushing: Saquon Barkley, 15 carries, 82 yards - Receiving: DeVonta Smith, 6 catches, 65 yards Keenum’s first drive ended with a clever shovel pass to Luther Burden for an eight‑yard touchdown. In the second half, he connected with Raymond on a deep 41‑yard strike that resulted in another score, further widening the gap.
The Eagles initially took a 7-0 lead when Hurts led a drive deep into Chicago territory in the second quarter, but he suffered a hard hit from linebacker D'Marco Jackson along the sideline. Hurts was briefly removed for a concussion evaluation, and backup Andy Dalton entered the game.
Dalton’s tenure was short‑lived, as rookie defender Dillon Thieneman intercepted a pass in the back of the end zone just before halftime. Hurts later explained his frustration, "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 the setback, Hurts managed a quarterback sneak for a touchdown as the first half expired, but the Bears seized control in the second half. Late in the third quarter, linebacker TJ Edwards intercepted Hurts again, solidifying Chicago’s defensive dominance. Overall, Chicago amassed 24 first downs and 128 rushing yards, while Philadelphia struggled to generate momentum.
For context, the Bears had previously beaten the Eagles 24-15 in Philadelphia last season, recording 28 first downs and 281 rushing yards in that contest. The game not only highlighted Keenum’s resurgence but also underscored the importance of veteran leadership in a league increasingly focused on youth and athleticism. His ability to quickly diagnose coverages, adjust routes on the fly, and execute under pressure provided a blueprint for how seasoned players can still impact the modern NFL. Looking ahead, the Bears will aim to build on this performance as they seek to improve their standing in the NFC North, while the Eagles must address their turnover issues and defensive lapses if they hope to stay competitive in a tightly contested division.
Fans can continue to follow the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, with every playoff game and the Super Bowl LXI scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027, available through Sky’s streaming service NOW, which offers flexible, contract‑free viewing options.