Case Keenum leads Chicago Bears to 27-7 victory over Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night

Keenum steps in for injured Williams

Chicago turned to 38-year-old veteran Case Keenum after starter Caleb Williams was sidelined with a right hamstring injury and backup Tyson Bagent emerged from concussion protocol only on Sunday. Making his first regular-season start since December 24, 2023 with Houston, Keenum directed the Bears to a 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. Chicago head coach Ben Johnson maintained an aggressive play-calling strategy, trusting Keenum from the opening drive. Keenum completed 9 of 11 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter, finishing the night 24 of 34 for 247 yards, two touchdown passes, and one rushing score.

Keenum praised Johnson's game plan and play design following the victory.

“He's the best play caller, play designer, game planner I've been around.”

Offensive efficiency and quick passing

Keenum distributed the ball rapidly throughout the contest, averaging 2.24 seconds before throwing compared to the league average of 2.92 seconds. Chicago's rushing attack provided balance, with D'Andre Swift averaging 4.2 yards per carry, while Keenum executed play-action calls by completing 11 of 12 attempts for 128 yards. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond led the receiving corps, catching six passes for 90 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown reception on a crossing route in the third quarter that extended Chicago's lead to 20-7. Chicago repeatedly challenged Philadelphia with pre-snap motions and fourth-down attempts, remaining committed to Johnson's offensive system.

Case Keenum2.24

NFL average2.92

Case Keenum

2.24 seconds

NFL average

2.92 seconds

Data from the article text

Turnovers and Eagles offensive struggles

Philadelphia entered the contest 2-1 but failed to find offensive consistency, generating 248 total yards and only 62 yards in the second half. Quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 16 of 25 passes for 153 yards and added 25 rushing yards with a touchdown on a quarterback sneak at the end of the first half. In the second quarter, Hurts was evaluated for a concussion after taking a late hit from Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson at the Chicago 15-yard line. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton entered the game and threw an interception to rookie safety Dillon Thieneman in the back of the end zone on third-and-goal from the 2-yard line.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni accepted accountability for the team's breakdown across all phases.

“I think we all have to own that loss right there. I don't think anybody coached well, I don't think anybody played well. It was a true team loss.”

Defensive execution seals Chicago victory

Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen adjusted Chicago's schemes to stifle the Philadelphia offense, holding the Eagles to 2-for-9 on third downs and stopping both of their fourth-down conversion attempts. Rookie safety Dillon Thieneman recorded his first career interception, while linebacker T.J. Edwards intercepted Hurts on a fourth-and-5 play in the fourth quarter to end any comeback attempt. Philadelphia also committed 10 penalties for 61 yards and lost a fumble, finishing minus-three in turnover margin without recording a takeaway for the third consecutive week. Sirianni faced scrutiny for punting on fourth-and-1 from his own 49-yard line while trailing by 13 points in the third quarter, a decision he later regretted.