Case Keenum, making his first start in over 1,000 days, guided the Chicago Bears to a surprising 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on Monday night. Keenum threw two touchdown passes and added a one-yard rushing score as the Bears improved to 2-1.
Keenum’s night: efficient and decisive
Keenum opened the scoring with a connection to Luther Burden III that put Chicago ahead early, then later hit Kalif Raymond on a 41-yard touchdown that broke the game open in the third quarter. He managed the offense with poise throughout, minimizing mistakes and converting key opportunities in the red zone.
After the game Keenum praised the offensive approach, saying the play-calling “was cooking tonight” and that the staff “was in his bag,” an assessment he said reflected how the Bears attacked the Eagles’ defense. His steadiness in a spot that began the night with uncertainty at the position provided a calming presence for Chicago’s offense.
Chicago’s defense sets the tone
Chicago’s strong defense complemented the offensive performance, forcing three turnovers and holding Philadelphia to 248 total yards. The Bears also beat the Eagles in the trenches at times, limiting their effectiveness on sustained drives.
The collective defensive showing was crucial — the unit’s takeaways and field-position wins allowed Keenum and the offense to play with a lead and avoid high-pressure situations down the stretch.
The Bears’ 27-7 result represented a statement win, handing the Eagles their first loss of the 2026 season; Keenum’s command of the offense and Chicago’s turnover-driven defense formed a complementary one-two punch. Keenum’s efficient night — two passing scores and a short rushing touchdown — and the defense’s three takeaways combined to create a performance that will be remembered as one of the more unexpected results of the early season.
Chicago now sits at 2-1 after the victory, while the Eagles suffered their first loss of the season. For the Bears, Monday’s game offered clarity: when the offense sustains drives and the defense flips the field with forced turnovers, the team can control games even amid roster uncertainty.
