Case Keenum Leads Bears Past Eagles 27-7 With Three-TD Performance/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Case Keenum accounted for three touchdowns in his first start in nearly three years as the Chicago Bears defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-7. Chicago’s defense forced three turnovers and limited Philadelphia to 62 second-half yards while Keenum efficiently replaced the injured Caleb Williams. The Bears and Eagles both moved to 2-1, with Chicago rebounding from its 9-3 loss to Minnesota.
Quick Look
- Final score: Bears 27, Eagles 7
- Case Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes.
- He finished with 247 passing yards and two touchdown passes.
- Keenum added a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
- It was his first NFL start since Dec. 24, 2023.
- Caleb Williams was sidelined by a right hamstring injury.
- Kalif Raymond caught six passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.
- Chicago forced three turnovers.
- Jalen Hurts completed 16 of 25 passes for 153 yards.
- Saquon Barkley rushed 15 times for 82 yards.
- Philadelphia gained only 62 yards in the second half.
- The Bears recorded 24 first downs and 128 rushing yards.
- Both teams are 2-1.
Deep Look
Case Keenum Delivers in Rare Start
CHICAGO — Case Keenum looked composed and prepared throughout Monday night as the veteran third-string quarterback led the Chicago Bears to a 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Making his first start in nearly three years, Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns.
He also scored his first rushing touchdown since 2019, plunging into the end zone from 1 yard with 7:19 remaining.
The score completed a 13-play possession that consumed more than eight minutes and gave Chicago a commanding 20-point advantage.
“He knows where everyone is supposed to be on every single play and so he is really quick to recognize coverage,” Bears coach Ben Johnson said. “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.”
Keenum Replaces Injured Caleb Williams
Keenum started in place of Caleb Williams, who was sidelined by a right hamstring injury.
Tyson Bagent served as Chicago’s backup after clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol Sunday.
Keenum had not played in a regular-season game since starting for the Houston Texans in a 36-22 loss to Cleveland on Dec. 24, 2023.
The 38-year-old quarterback said the opportunity justified his decision to continue playing after years of moving between teams and depth-chart roles.
“To get a shot again like this? Yeah, you dream of it,” Keenum said. “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.”
Bears Rebound From Minnesota Loss
Chicago improved to 2-1 and recovered from a disappointing 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Kalif Raymond caught six passes for 90 yards and scored on a 41-yard reception in the second half.
The Bears finished with 24 first downs and rushed for 128 yardsallowing them to control possession and keep Philadelphia’s offense away from the field.
Chicago had also enjoyed significant success against the Eagles the previous season, recording 28 first downs and 281 rushing yards in a 24-15 road victory.
Eagles Commit Three Turnovers
Philadelphia fell to 2-1 after turning the ball over three times.
The Eagles failed to produce a takeaway for the third consecutive game to begin the season.
Jalen Hurts completed 16 of 25 passes for 153 yards. Saquon Barkley carried 15 times for 82 yards, but Philadelphia’s offense struggled to sustain drives.
“I think we all have to own that loss right there,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “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.”
Fourth-Down Decisions Hurt Philadelphia
Trailing 20-7 with about four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Philadelphia lined up for fourth-and-1 at its own 49-yard line.
Hurts attempted to draw the Bears offside, but Chicago’s defense remained disciplined. The Eagles then received a delay-of-game penalty and punted.
Later in the quarter, Philadelphia faced fourth-and-5 from the Chicago 46.
Hurts’ pass was intercepted by linebacker T.J. Edwards in the final minute of the period. Edwards had dropped a possible interception on third down during Philadelphia’s opening drive of the second half.
“I liked the decision to go for it on fourth-and-5,” Sirianni said. “Hindsight, I feel like I should have went for it on that fourth-and-1 1/2.”
Keenum Starts Fast With Touchdown Pass
Keenum ended Chicago’s opening possession with an 8-yard shovel pass to rookie Luther Burden for a touchdown.
The quarterback added a 41-yard scoring pass to a wide-open Raymond during the second half.
Keenum later guided the Bears through the extended fourth-quarter touchdown drive that put the game away.
On fourth-and-2 from the Philadelphia 39, he drew defensive lineman Moro Ojomo offside to keep the possession alive.
Keenum eventually finished the drive with the seventh rushing touchdown of his career.
“Poised, calm and honestly a guy who was having a lot of fun,” Raymond said of Keenum. “The whole week he was like, you guys having fun, because I am. That’s the way he was. He loves the game.”
Hurts Briefly Leaves for Concussion Evaluation
With Philadelphia trailing 7-0 in the second quarter, Hurts moved the Eagles deep into Chicago territory.
Linebacker D’Marco Jackson hit Hurts late along the sidelineforcing the quarterback to leave the field for a concussion evaluation.
Backup Andy Dalton entered and attempted to complete the drive, but rookie safety Dillon Thieneman intercepted him in the back of the end zone with 6:14 remaining.
Hurts said he was waiting for medical clearance when the turnover occurred.
“I was just waiting for the thumbs-up,” Hurts said. “I felt fine, we already checked it. I don’t know the extent of the process. Obviously wish we could have expedited things. I know I felt fine.”
Philadelphia Manages Only One Touchdown
Hurts returned and scored on a quarterback sneak as the first half expired, reducing Chicago’s lead to 7-7.
The Bears dominated the final two quarters.
Philadelphia managed only 62 of its 248 total yards after halftime and failed to score again.
Chicago’s defense consistently pressured the Eagles, contained their explosive plays and capitalized on mistakes.
Zach Ertz Returns to Eagles
Veteran tight end Zach Ertz recorded one reception for 9 yards in his first game of the season.
The 35-year-old rejoined Philadelphia after signing with the Eagles’ practice squad the previous week.
Ertz spent the first eight-plus seasons of his career with Philadelphia and earned three Pro Bowl selections during that period.
Injuries
Bears left tackle Braxton Jones left the game with a knee injury with 10:22 remaining in the third quarter.
Raymond was shaken up during a punt return with 3:12 left in the third but later returned.
Defensive back Cam Lewis sustained a hip injury.
Up Next
The Eagles return home to play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
The Bears remain in Chicago to host the New York Jets on Sunday.
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