Case Keenum delivered a commanding performance in his return to the NFL starting lineup on Monday night, leading the Chicago Bears to a 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Making his first start in 1,009 days, the 38-year-old veteran stepped in for the injured Caleb Williams and orchestrated an efficient offensive display that allowed Chicago to control the game’s tempo.
Keenum’s efficient return to the starting role
Filling the vacancy left by Caleb Williams, who is sidelined for three to four weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, Keenum showed little rust despite his extended absence from the field. He completed 24 of his 34 pass attempts for 247 yards and two touchdowns. His performance was characterized by quick, accurate decision-making that kept the Eagles’ defense off-balance throughout the evening.
The veteran quarterback’s impact was immediate. On the opening drive, Keenum marched the Bears down the field, capping the possession with a short touchdown pass to Luther Burden III. With this scoring strike, Keenum became the oldest quarterback in Bears franchise history to record a touchdown pass.
Dominant time of possession and tactical execution
The Bears’ offense dictated the pace of the game, holding the ball for 36:53 compared to just 23:07 for the Eagles. Keenum’s ability to navigate the pocket prevented Philadelphia from recording a single sack, with the quarterback being hurried only three times during the contest. This protection allowed him to sustain drives and maximize Chicago’s time on the field.
In the third quarter, Keenum extended the lead by connecting with Khalif Raymond for a 41-yard touchdown pass. He later added to his career totals with a one-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. This score marked his seventh career rushing touchdown and his first since 2019, making him the oldest player in Bears history to record a rushing touchdown and the 11th oldest in NFL history to do so.
Defensive pressure and Jalen Hurts’ injury
While Keenum provided the offensive spark, the Bears’ defense stifled Philadelphia’s attack. Jalen Hurts was limited to 153 passing yards and two interceptions. The Eagles’ quarterback also contributed 25 rushing yards and a touchdown before a significant collision in the second quarter.
Following a hard tackle by D’Marco Jackson near the sidelines, Hurts was evaluated under the NFL’s concussion protocol. Andy Dalton briefly entered the game for the Eagles, but his lone pass attempt resulted in an interception in the end zone. Hurts eventually returned to the field, but the Bears’ defense continued to apply pressure, holding Philadelphia to just 14 first downs throughout the game.
Looking ahead for Chicago
The victory provides a significant boost for the Bears as they handle the upcoming weeks without their starting quarterback. Keenum’s performance has offered stability for the offense, demonstrating that the veteran remains capable of leading the team during Williams’ recovery period. Chicago will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup as they continue to compete in a demanding schedule.
