Case Keenum made a triumphant return to the starting quarterback role, delivering a two‑touchdown performance that helped the Chicago Bears defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 27‑7 on Monday night. After not starting a game in the NFL for almost three years, Keenum stepped in for the injured Caleb Williams and proved his veteran poise by completing 24 of 34 pass attempts for 247 yards.
He also added a rushing score—a one‑yard plunge with just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter—that marked his first rushing touchdown since the 2019 season and capped a methodical 13‑play, eight‑minute drive that effectively sealed the win. Keenum’s comeback began in December 2023 when he started for the Houston Texans in a 36‑22 loss to Cleveland, but this was his first appearance as a starter since then. 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 resilience and perseverance.
Williams was sidelined with a right hamstring strain, and backup quarterback Tyson Bagent was cleared from the NFL concussion protocol on Sunday, leaving Keenum as the Bears’ best option. Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Keenum’s football IQ, noting, "He knows where everyone is supposed to be on every single play and is quick to recognize coverage.
He understands why we call a play and what we’re looking for, and if we’re not getting it, he accelerates through the adjustment. That’s what you get when you’ve spent 15‑plus years at this position in this league." Wide receiver Kalif Raymond contributed significantly, hauling in six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown, providing a reliable target for Keenum throughout the game.
The Bears, who sit at 2‑1 on the season after bouncing back from a disappointing 9‑3 loss to Minnesota, displayed a balanced attack that kept the Eagles on their heels. Philadelphia, also 2‑1, struggled with ball security, committing three turnovers and failing to register a defensive takeaway for the third straight game. Quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 16 of 25 passes for 153 yards but threw an interception, while running back Saquon Barkley managed 82 rushing yards on 15 carries. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni took responsibility for the loss, 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, Keenum’s line read 24/34, 247 yards, two touchdowns. D'Andre Swift added 20 carries for 84 yards on the ground, while Raymond’s six receptions accounted for 90 yards and a score.
On the Eagles’ side, Hurts posted 16/25, 153 yards, one interception; Barkley’s 15 carries yielded 82 yards; and DeVonta Smith recorded six catches for 65 yards. Key moments included Keenum’s shovel pass to Luther Burden for an eight‑yard touchdown early in the game and a deep 41‑yard strike to Raymond in the second half that extended the lead. After falling behind 7‑0, Hurts drove the Eagles deep into Chicago territory in the second quarter, only to be hit hard by linebacker D’Marco Jackson along the sideline. The hit forced a concussion evaluation, and Hurts was briefly removed from play.
Backup Andy Dalton entered but threw an interception to rookie Dillon Thieneman in the end zone just before halftime, further dampening Philadelphia’s momentum. Hurts later explained his frustration, 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." He managed to score on a quarterback sneak as the first half expired, but the Bears dominated the final two quarters. Defensively, Chicago’s linebackers made crucial plays, with TJ Edwards intercepting Hurts late in the third quarter and earlier dropping a potential pick on a third‑down play. The Bears amassed 24 first downs and 128 rushing yards, showcasing a balanced offensive approach that contrasted with the Eagles’ three turnovers and lack of defensive takeaways.
Overall, the victory highlighted Keenum’s veteran leadership and the Bears’ ability to adapt when their starter was unavailable. It also emphasized the importance of depth and preparation in a league where injuries can quickly alter a team’s trajectory. The win positions Chicago favorably as the season progresses, while Philadelphia must address its turnover issues and defensive lapses if it hopes to remain competitive. Fans can continue to follow the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every game, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027.
For those interested in flexible viewing options, Sky Sports offers streaming packages with no contract commitments through the NOW platform.