Sep 28, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum (11) celebrates after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Bears' Case Keenum Admits Unusual Non-Football Move Before Start Against the Eagles 1
Behind the strong performance of backup quarterback Case Keenum, the Chicago Bears were able to give the Philadelphia Eagles their first defeat of the 2026 NFL season.
Starting in place of injured Week 1 starter Caleb Williams, the veteran Keenum answered the call and immediately became a Monday Night Football legend for the Bears, as he passed for 247 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions on 24/34 pass completions in a 27-7 win. He was not sacked and even added a rushing touchdown that caught many by surprise.
Keenum Reveals 1 Change He Made Heading Into Start in Bears-Eagles Week 3 Game
Sep 28, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second halfat Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn ImagesSep 28, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second halfat Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago quarterback Keenum (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Eagles during the second halfat Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Following his scintillating performance against the Eagles, the 38-year-old Keenum said that he made a phone adjustment to help him lock in on the task at hand.
Via Sean Hammond of The Chicago Tribune:
Case Keenum says he had his phone on do not disturb this week, with only his wife and Ben Johnson allowed to call.
“I’ll let you guess who called more,” Keenum said.
Keenum signed a two-year deal worth $5.5 million with the Bears in March to serve as an insurance under center. His performance against Philadelphia further proved that Chicago made the right decision to bring him in, while adding to the Bears’ confidence.
“To get a shot again like this? Yeah, you dream of it,” Keenum said after the game, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN).
“That’s why I’m still here doing this when I get knocked down. I got knocked down my whole career. I just keep getting up, coming to work, just keep bouncing back.”
Up next for the 2-1 Bears is a game in Week 4 against the New York Giants on the road.
Sep 28, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum (11) scores a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second halfat Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn ImagesSep 28, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum (11) scores a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second halfat Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago quarterback Keenum (11) scores a touchdown against the Eagles during the second halfat Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images