In a Monday night game that marked his first regular-season start since 2023, Case Keenum led the Chicago Bears to a commanding 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. The 38-year-old quarterback threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns while adding a one-yard rushing score, showcasing poise and precision that helped overcome injuries to the Bears’ starting and backup quarterbacks.

The win came amid a challenging week for Chicago, after starting quarterback Caleb Williams suffered a hamstring injury and backup Tyson Bagent was sidelined with a concussion. Keenum, who had been signed primarily as a veteran mentor and had not played a regular-season game in three years, stepped into the starting role and quickly earned the trust of his coaches and teammates.

Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Keenum’s preparedness and leadership throughout the week, noting the quarterback’s tireless study habits and on-field command. “We just saw from the base day to third-down day to red-zone day, the totality of it all,” Johnson said. He emphasized that Keenum’s chemistry with new pass catchers and ability to manage the offense made the decision to start him straightforward despite Bagent’s return to practice shortly before the game.

Keenum’s opening drive demonstrated his command, featuring completions to four different receivers and culminating in an eight-yard touchdown pass to Luther Burden III. Keenum and offensive coordinator coordinated several aggressive plays, including a successful fourth-and-one conversion on the first possession of the game and a late quarterback sneak for a touchdown, his first rushing score since 2019. The play capitalized on pulling guards creating space, illustrating the team’s trust in Keenum’s decision-making.

Veteran wide receiver Kalif Raymond, who caught six passes for 90 yards including a 41-yard touchdown, highlighted Keenum’s infectious energy and preparation throughout the week. “He was poised, calm, and honestly a guy who was having a lot of fun,” Raymond said. Teammates noted Keenum’s experience and consistency, crediting his professional approach for sustaining his long NFL career and acclimating quickly to the starting role.

Defensively, the Bears also performed strongly under coordinator Dennis Allen despite early challenges containing Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. The unit tightened in the second half, forcing three takeaways and limiting Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts to 153 passing yards and two sacks. The Bears’ defense held the Eagles to two field goals and one touchdown over the last two games, ranking fourth in the league in third-down defense.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni expressed some regret over a fourth-and-one punt decision early in the second half, acknowledging it might have been better to attempt a conversion given the game situation. The Eagles were 2 of 9 on third down, struggling against a Bears defense energized and disciplined in the second half.

Looking ahead, the Bears face a quick turnaround with a matchup against the New York Jets. The quarterback situation remains uncertain as the team weighs whether to maintain Keenum, who delivered a strong performance, or turn to Bagent, who has a higher position on the depth chart but missed most of the week’s practices. Johnson indicated that the coaching staff would evaluate the situation carefully before making a decision.

For Keenum, the victory was a personal milestone and a testament to perseverance. After years of contemplating retirement and moving between eight NFL teams, Keenum’s return to form against a prominent NFC opponent offered a reminder of his resilience and preparation. “That’s why I’m still here... getting up when I get knocked down,” he said. With his children in attendance, it was a memorable night for the veteran quarterback and the Bears franchise alike.