Veteran quarterback Case Keenum led the Chicago Bears to a resounding 27-7 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 28, 2026, at Soldier Field. Stepping in for starting quarterback Caleb Williams, who suffered a Grade 2 hamstring injury the previous week during a 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the 38-year-old signal-caller orchestrated a masterclass on Monday Night Football.
- How Case Keenum and Ben Johnson Out-Coached Philadelphia
- A Stellar Defensive Outing and Special Family Moments
- Frequently Asked Questions About Case Keenum’s Career and Start
- How long had it been since Case Keenum’s last NFL start?
- Why did Case Keenum start for the Chicago Bears?
- How old is Case Keenum?
- What were Case Keenum’s statistics against the Eagles?
- Who are Case Keenum’s primary targets in the Chicago offense?
Making his first appearance in an NFL game since December 24, 2023-when he started for the Houston Texans in a 36-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns-Keenum rolled back the years. He completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, while adding a crucial one-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. It marked the first time Keenum threw multiple touchdown passes in a single game since October 13, 2019, coincidentally also against the Eagles during his tenure with Washington.
How Case Keenum and Ben Johnson Out-Coached Philadelphia
Head coach Ben Johnson crafted an elite offensive game plan that maximized Keenum’s veteran experience. Facing a formidable Philadelphia Eagles defense that entered the primetime matchup undefeated, the Bears set the tone immediately. Keenum capped Chicago’s opening drive with an eight-yard shovel pass to Luther Burden III.
Despite a brief scare when Philadelphia closed the gap to 10-7 just before halftime following a quarterback sneak by Jalen Hurts-who briefly exited to be evaluated for a concussion after a sideline hit by linebacker D’Marco Jackson-the Bears completely dominated the second half. Keenum connected with a wide-open Kalif Raymond for a 41-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, while Raymond finished the night catching six passes for 90 yards.
Keenum’s night was capped off in the fourth quarter when he called his own number on third-and-goal, diving into the end zone for a one-yard rushing score that punctuated an impressive 13-play, eight-minute drive. Tyson Bagent served as the backup quarterback after clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol just a day prior.
A Stellar Defensive Outing and Special Family Moments
While Keenum commanded the offense, Dennis Allen’s defense suffocated the Eagles. Philadelphia turned the ball over three times and failed to record a takeaway for the third consecutive game. Jalen Hurts finished 16-of-25 for 153 yards and an interception, while star running back Saquon Barkley was limited to 82 yards on 15 carries.
Key defensive plays included rookie safety Dillon Thieneman intercepting backup quarterback Andy Dalton in the end zone during the second quarter, and linebacker T.J. Edwards intercepting Hurts late in the third quarter to extinguish any hopes of an Eagles comeback.
Following the emotional win, Keenum shared a heartwarming moment on ESPN’s SportsCenter with host Scott Van Pelt and his young daughter, Cadence. For a player who was considering retirement two years ago before being recruited by Johnson to mentor Williams, playing under the Monday night lights in front of his family made the night unforgettable.
“It was so much fun. I’m going to remember this night forever. This is incredible,” Keenum told ESPN after the game, noting that he looked forward to celebrating the victory with his wife Kimberly and their children.
The victory lifts the Bears to a 2-1 record as they prepare to host the New York Jets in Week 4, while the Eagles (2-1) look to rebound against the Los Angeles Rams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Case Keenum’s Career and Start
How long had it been since Case Keenum’s last NFL start?
Prior to the September 28, 2026 game against the Eagles, Case Keenum’s last NFL start came 1,009 days earlier on December 24, 2023, while playing for the Houston Texans against the Cleveland Browns.
Why did Case Keenum start for the Chicago Bears?
Keenum stepped into the starting lineup because regular starting quarterback Caleb Williams suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring injury during the fourth quarter of the Bears’ Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
How old is Case Keenum?
Case Keenum is 38 years old and is currently playing in his 14th NFL season across eight different franchises.
What were Case Keenum’s statistics against the Eagles?
Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards, threw two passing touchdowns, and added a one-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, finishing with a stellar 110.8 passer rating.
Who are Case Keenum’s primary targets in the Chicago offense?
During his standout performance against Philadelphia, Keenum frequently targeted wide receiver Kalif Raymond (6 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD) and Luther Burden III.
