Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) celebrates with quarterback Case Keenum (11) after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Soldier Field.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) celebrates with quarterback Case Keenum (11) after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Soldier Field.
Football fans are accustomed to the “Any given Sunday” mantra at this point. This often refers to how in any given week, any team has the ability to upset the other team if they are not prepared. However, the Chicago Bears also showed that this saying can apply to players: you never know which player will pop off for the team.
In Week 3 for the Bears, Chicago was in desperate need of a boost. With both starter Caleb Williams and backup Tyson Bagent dealing with injuries, Chicago turned to 38-year-old Case Keenum against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fans were hoping for just a simple game from the backup and allowing his run game to do the work.
Well, turns out Keenum's still has it. The Bears quarterback led an aerial assault on their way to a victory over Philadelphia. Keenum also got involved in the rushing attack, scoring a rushing TD late in the game to ice the victory for Chicago. It was Keenum's first rushing touchdown in seven years.
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In a truly atypical performance for a backup quarterback, Keenum spearheaded the Bears' offensive attack with his passing. He attempted 34 passes and completed 70% of them for 247 yards and two touchdowns, all while not throwing a single interception. Head coach Ben Johnson trusted the veteran quarterback to carry the load for the offense, and he delivered big-time for them.
Keenum, who hasn't played a game since the 2023 season, will likely be tasked with managing this offense moving forward. Williams is expected to be out for a month with his hamstring injury. After this Bears' win, it would be surprising to see Bagent take the role away from Keenum in the following weeks. The good thing for Chicago, though, is that their offense at least looks more stable in the following weeks, even with a backup.
The Bears will face the New York Jets next week at home.