Chicago, IL— Case Keenum stepped into the starting lineup and delivered exactly what the Chicago Bears needed.
Making his first start in nearly three years, Keenum threw for two touchdowns and added a rushing score as Chicago’s defense kept Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles out of rhythm in a convincing 27-7 victory Monday night.
Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards, showing poise throughout the night while filling in for Caleb Williams, who was sidelined with a right hamstring injury. Keenum also reached the end zone on the ground for the first time since 2019, scoring on a 1-yard quarterback sneak with 7:19 remaining.
The touchdown capped a grinding 13-play, eight-minute-plus drive that allowed Chicago to take control of the game late.
For Keenum, the start marked his first NFL action since Dec. 24, 2023, when he started for Houston in a 36-22 loss to Cleveland.
Tyson Bagent served as Keenum’s backup after clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol Sunday.
Kalif Raymond provided one of Chicago’s biggest offensive performances, catching six passes for 90 yards and a touchdown as the Bears improved to 2-1 following a disappointing 9-3 loss to Minnesota.
Chicago’s offense got moving immediately.
Keenum finished the opening drive by finding Luther Burden on a shovel pass for an 8-yard touchdown, giving the Bears an early advantage.
Philadelphia had opportunities to respond, but Chicago’s defense repeatedly came up with big plays.
The Eagles drove deep into Bears territory during the second quarter, but Hurts took a late hit from linebacker D’Marco Jackson along the sideline. Hurts left the field to be evaluated for a possible concussion, forcing Philadelphia to briefly turn to veteran backup Andy Dalton.
Dalton’s first opportunity ended badly.
Rookie safety Dillon Thieneman intercepted Dalton in the back of the end zone with 6:14 remaining in the first half, preventing Philadelphia from turning its promising drive into points.
Hurts returned and immediately helped the Eagles get on the scoreboard, rushing for a touchdown on a quarterback sneak as time expired in the first half.
That score, however, proved to be Philadelphia’s only touchdown.
Chicago controlled the second half.
Keenum delivered another big play when he found a wide-open Raymond for a 41-yard touchdown, extending the Bears’ advantage and putting additional pressure on an Eagles offense that struggled to generate consistent production.
Hurts finished 16 of 25 for 153 yards and an interception. He also carried the ball for a touchdown, while Saquon Barkley rushed for 82 yards on 15 attempts.
Chicago’s defense added another major play late in the third quarter when linebacker T.J. Edwards intercepted Hurts.
The Eagles had already struggled to create turnovers defensively, and that trend continued. Philadelphia failed to force a takeaway for the third straight game to open the season.
The Bears, meanwhile, consistently kept the Eagles’ defense on the field.
Chicago finished with 24 first downs and 128 rushing yards, continuing a trend of success on the ground against Philadelphia. The Bears ran for 281 yards in their 24-15 victory over the Eagles last season.
This time, however, Chicago’s defense supplied the difference.
The Bears entered the night looking to rebound from their loss to Minnesota and instead produced a complete performance against the defending offensive attack led by Hurts and Barkley.
Keenum’s steady play, Raymond’s big-play ability and a defense that forced three Philadelphia turnovers gave Chicago its second victory of the season.
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 on a punt return late in the third but returned to action.
Up Next:
Eagles: Philadelphia returns home Sunday to host the Los Angeles Rams.
Bears: Chicago remains at home Sunday for a matchup with the New York Jets.
