Up to date Sept. 28, 2026, 11:47 p.m. ET
CHICAGO — One quarterback threw an interception, no touchdowns and had a QB score of 64.2. The opposite was 24-of-34 passing with two touchdowns and a 110.8 score.
Care to guess which one was the Tremendous Bowl MVP two seasons in the past and which one was the 38-year-old taking part in in his first regular-season NFL sport since 2023?
Case Keenum placed on one of many extra masterful performances of his profession on an evening he had each excuse to wrestle. Pressed into service with Caleb Williams (hamstring) out and backup Tyson Bagent lacking many of the week with a concussion, Keenum outplayed Jalen Hurts within the 27-7 win on Monday, Sept. 28.
Even higher, it offers the Chicago Bears confidence they will be simply nice till Williams is ready to return.
After a vagabond profession that included stops in eight cities over 12 years, Keenum was able to retire two years in the past. Then new Bears coach Ben Johnson known as, pitching him on the thought of serving to mentor Williams. Virtually nobody anticipated Keenum would see the sector in an precise sport, save possibly for some sentimental mop-up obligation.
However the harm gods had totally different concepts.
Although Johnson expressed confidence in Keenum all week, virtually nobody did. The Philadelphia Eagles got here into Monday Evening Soccer as one of many six groups nonetheless unbeaten, with an offense pushed by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley and a protection that, in keeping with ProFootballReference.com, was fifth-best in opposition to the passing sport.
But from the very first collection, Keenum was in management. He was 5 of 6 on that first drive, together with a 16-yard go to Sam Roush on fourth down and an 8-yard TD to Luther Burden III. He did not attempt to do an excessive amount of however he wasn’t merely a sport supervisor, both.
After Philadelphia pulled inside 10-7 at halftime, Keenum stepped on the gasoline within the third quarter. There have been back-to-back 12-yard completions that arrange a 48-yard area aim Cairo Santos. On Chicago’s subsequent collection, he was 4-for-4, together with a 41-yard TD go to Kalif Raymond that successfully put the sport out of attain.
Now, nobody goes to be clamoring for Keenum to take Williams’ job. Williams is a former No. 1 decide with generational expertise and an enhancing area imaginative and prescient. He is the Bears’ current and future. However Chicago wants this to not be a misplaced season by the point he will get again, and Keenum confirmed he could make that occur.
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