Full Breakdown
Case Keenum’s Monday Night Mastery Propels Bears Past Eagles
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 28, 2026, third-string quarterback Case Keenum started for the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field after injuries sidelined starter Caleb Williams (right hamstring) and backup Tyson Bagent (concussion protocol). Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards, threw two touchdown passes and rushed for a one-yard touchdown, leading Chicago to a 27–7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.
Background & Context
Williams’ hamstring injury in Week 2 left the Bears without their No. 1 draft pick, while Bagent’s concussion clearance arrived after the game-day roster deadline. Keenum, signed by Chicago in April 2025, had not taken a regular-season snap since 2023. The Bears entered the matchup 1-1 after a loss to Minnesota, and the Eagles were 2-0.
Data & Statistics
- Passing: 24-of-34, 247 yards, 2 TDs, 0 interceptions.
- Rushing: 1-yard QB sneak TD (first rushing score since 2019).
- Blitz performance: 11-of-11, 145 yards, 2 TDs – the most perfect blitz-era completions since ESPN began tracking in 2006.
- Total offense: 375 yards (5.4 yd/play) vs. 248 for Philadelphia; time of possession 36:53 to 23:07.
- Turnovers forced: 3 (interceptions by Dillon Thieneman and T.J. Edwards, fumble recovery by Austin Booker).
- Historical notes: At 38 years 223 days, Keenum became the second-oldest Bears quarterback to win a start and tied Ryan Fitzpatrick as the only QBs to win starts for seven different franchises.
Official Statements & Responses
Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Keenum’s preparation, saying the veteran “did an extraordinary job” and that the quarterback “ran the show.”
Philadelphia quarterback Jalan Hurts described waiting for a “thumbs-up” before returning from a concussion evaluation.
Criticism & Opposition
Sirianni’s post-game remarks highlighted a strategic misstep: the decision to attempt a fourth-down conversion at the Eagles’ 49-yard line instead of a shorter attempt was later labeled a “bad call” that may have cost Philadelphia momentum.
On-the-Ground Reports
Rookie safety Dillon Thieneman recorded his first career interception in the end zone, calling the play “poised, calm and honestly a guy who was having a lot of fun.”
Why It Matters / Impact
The win lifted Chicago to 2-1, keeping the Bears in the NFC North race and demonstrating depth at quarterback. It also marked the first time since the 1970 merger that a team without its Week 1 starter had won two games through three weeks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To do it on Monday Night Football, after you thought you were never going to play again multiple times, golly this is special,” — Case Keenum, Bears veteran
- “It's all about Case Keenum and what he was able to do here tonight,” — Ben Johnson, Bears coach
These statements capture the emotion and coaching confidence surrounding Keenum’s performance.