Backup QB Case Keenum leads Bears past Eagles 27-7 on Monday Night Football

The Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-7 on Monday at Soldier Field, ESPN reported. [5] The NFL said in a post on X that the Bears are off to a 2-1 start. [1]

Case Keenum, the Bears' third-string quarterback, made his first start in 1,009 days, according to ESPN. Starter Caleb Williams is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain that is expected to sideline the quarterback for three to four weeks, ESPN reported. Backup Tyson Bagent did not clear the NFL's concussion protocol until Sunday, the outlet said. [5]

Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers, ESPN reported. The touchdown passes went to Luther Burden III from 8 yards and to Kalif Raymond from 41 yards. Keenum also scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak. [3][5]

According to ESPN, Keenum went 11-of-11 for 145 yards and two touchdowns against the 12 blitzes sent by Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Keenum has won starts with seven franchises, tying Ryan Fitzpatrick for the most in NFL history, ESPN reported. [5]

Bears coach Ben Johnson said, "It's all about Case Keenum and what he was able to do here tonight." Keenum said, "Playing well anytime in your career feels good." [5]

Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts was hit on the sideline by Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson in the second quarter. Jackson was penalized for unnecessary roughness, and officials directed Hurts off the field for a concussion evaluation, ESPN reported. Andy Dalton entered and threw an interception at the goal line. Hurts returned on the next series and scored on a quarterback sneak as the first half ended. [4][6]

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said he felt remorse over his sideline reaction to the hit. "I have to be more steady in that situation," Sirianni said. [6]