After turning back the clock, Case Keenum already has as many TDs as these franchise QBs in 2026 image
Just a week ago, you might not have even known Case Keenum was on an NFL roster.
Eight days after Caleb Williams suffered a hamstring injury that kept him off the field for the Bears' "Monday Night Football" matchup with the Eagles, Keenum found himself at the center of the football world for at least one night.
With two touchdowns through the air and one on the ground, Keenum — with the help of an impressive defense — powered Chicago to a win few expected and stuffed the stat sheet in the process.
With three touchdowns in his first start of the season, Keenum has already found the end zone as many times or more than a handful of franchise quarterbacks with three starts under their belt. Here's the list.
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Case Keenum's TDs vs. franchise quarterbacks
Keenum's ability to step in and play so well after more than 1,000 days away from regular season action almost makes it look like playing quarterback in the NFL isn't so hard — almost.
With three total touchdowns, Keenum did something in one night that it took three games for other franchise quarterbacks to do. Keenum already has as many or more touchdowns than all of these quarterbacks this season, among others:
QB Total TDs
Case Keenum 3
Justin Herbert 3
C.J. Stroud 3
Daniel Jones 3
Baker Mayfield 3
Drake Maye 1
Look away, Patriots fans: Keenum tripled Drake Maye's touchdown total in one night, doing so against an Eagles defense considered a strong unit.
Keenum's three total touchdowns also match Justin Herbert, C.J. Stroud, Daniel Jones and Baker Mayfield, who have each made three starts and are a combined 1-11 on the season.
Keenum was efficient all night long for the Bears, finishing 24-of-34 for 247 yards and two touchdowns through the air plus one on the ground. The 38-year-old hadn't started since 2023, when he made a pair of appearances for the Texans.
Case Keenum after winning his first NFL game in 1,016 days 😄 pic.twitter.com/NlmtnJlUPY
— ESPN (@espn) September 29, 2026
The Bears will have a decision to make for Week 4, as Tyson Bagent entered the season as Williams' backup and might have started Monday night if not for a concussion. Facing a short week, it would be tough to deny Keenum the opportunity to make another start, assuming Williams can't return just yet.