Case Keenum's Masterclass: Bears Rout Eagles 27-7 in MNF

Key points

• Case Keenum, 38, started his first regular-season game since 2023 due to injuries to Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent.
• Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards, two passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown, finishing with a 110.8 QB rating.
• Jalen Hurts threw one interception and had a 64.2 QB rating, struggling against a Bears defense that recorded two interceptions and two sacks.
• The win snapped the Eagles' undefeated start and addressed concerns for the Bears following a loss to the Minnesota Vikings the previous week.
• Bears coach Ben Johnson praised Keenum's composure and preparation, noting that the veteran had been working on film study and mentoring Williams.

Background

The Chicago Bears faced significant quarterback instability after Caleb Williams suffered a hamstring injury and backup Tyson Bagent was sidelined with a concussion. This game followed a 59-point loss to the Minnesota Vikings, which had cast doubt on the team's resilience. Case Keenum, who had been serving as a mentor to Williams, was unexpectedly pressed into service as the starter.

How outlets are covering it

USA TODAY emphasized Keenum's emotional journey and masterful performance, highlighting his composure and the team's celebratory reaction. Bleacher Report focused on the statistical disparity, noting the Bears' 247 passing yards versus the Eagles' 153, and criticized the Eagles' second-half collapse and penalties. The Chicago Tribune, through Brad Biggs, framed the win as a 'convincing and eye-opening' response to the previous week's loss, though the full text was behind a paywall. ESPN's source was inaccessible due to a 403 error, so no perspective could be extracted from that outlet.

Why it matters

The victory demonstrated the Bears' depth and resilience at the quarterback position, preventing a potential season-defining collapse. It also raised questions about the Philadelphia Eagles' consistency, as their offense struggled to maintain momentum despite being favored. For the NFL, it highlighted the value of veteran experience and preparation in high-pressure situations.

What to watch

The Chicago Bears are scheduled to play the New York Jets on Sunday, October 4, with Ben Johnson not yet committing to Keenum as the starter if Caleb Williams remains unavailable. The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Los Angeles Rams on the same day, seeking to rebound from their first loss of the season.