The Chicago Bears defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-7 on Monday Night Football, with Case Keenum making a triumphant return to the starting role after more than 1,000 days.
Why it matters: This victory marks a turning point for the Bears, who improved to a 2-1 record, showing resilience even without their star quarterback, Caleb Williams. The performance showcased Keenum's ability to lead and head coach Ben Johnson's strategic prowess.
Case Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards, two touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown.
The Bears' win over the Eagles demonstrates their depth and adaptability in the face of injuries.
Ben Johnson's play-calling continues to draw attention, solidifying his reputation as one of the NFL's top offensive minds.
Driving the news: Keenum stepped up in the absence of Williams, who is sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Johnson had to adjust his game plan, emphasizing quick throws and a balanced attack to suit Keenum's strengths.
Johnson called more plays in 11 personnel (one back, one tight end, three receivers), allowing Keenum to operate effectively.
The Bears capitalized on a strong running game, with both running backs finishing with over 100 rushing yards combined.
Keenum's performance was a reminder of his capabilities, as he hadn't started an NFL game since December 2023.
State of play: The Bears took an early lead, scoring first with a touchdown pass from Keenum to Luther Burden III. They maintained control throughout the game, with Keenum connecting with multiple receivers.
Seven different players caught passes, with Kalif Raymond leading with six receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown.
The Bears' defense also played a key role, limiting the Eagles to just seven points and forcing three turnovers.
Johnson's decision-making was put to the test during a controversial fourth-down call that drew criticism from ESPN analyst Troy Aikman.
The big picture: Johnson's aggressive coaching style has been a hallmark of his tenure, but it faced scrutiny after a failed fourth-down attempt in the first half.
After recovering a fumble at the Eagles' 15-yard line, the Bears reached first-and-goal from the 6 but failed to score on fourth down.
Aikman criticized Johnson for not taking the guaranteed points, saying, "I’d take the points." This decision became a focal point of discussion.
Johnson defended his choice, expressing confidence in the play call and discomfort with kicking from that field position.
What they're saying: Postgame reactions highlighted the mixed sentiments surrounding Johnson's decisions.
Keenum praised Johnson's play-calling, stating, "Ben Johnson was cooking tonight. He was in his bag," emphasizing the effectiveness of the offensive strategy.
Critics, including Aikman, voiced concerns about the missed scoring opportunity, noting that the Eagles capitalized on the Bears' failure to score before halftime.
Fans expressed divided opinions on social media, with some supporting Johnson's aggressive approach and others calling for a more conservative strategy.
By the numbers: The Bears' win reflects several impressive statistics that contributed to their success.
Keenum's passer rating for the game was 110.8, indicating a highly efficient performance.
The Bears' rushing attack was strong, with a total of 36 rushing attempts, demonstrating their commitment to a balanced offense.
Defensively, the Bears allowed just 16 points across their last two games, signaling a resurgence in their defensive performance.
What's next: The Bears are set to face the New York Jets in Week 4, raising questions about whether Keenum will continue as the starter.
With Williams expected to be out for 3-4 weeks due to his hamstring injury, Johnson must decide if Keenum's performance warrants another start.
Tyson Bagent, who was cleared from concussion protocol, remains a potential option for the Bears as they navigate the quarterback situation.
Johnson's ability to adapt his game plan will be key in maintaining momentum against the Jets.