Chicago Bears Score and Recap (Week 3): Bears 27, Eagles 7 – Keenum, Defense Shine in Monday Night Win
The Bears came into Monday night’s game against the Eagles at Soldier Field, fresh off a very frustrating loss to the rival Vikings and were down to third-string quarterback Case Keenum after Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent suffered injuries. As it turned out there was nothing to worry about, the 38-year-old signal-caller did an outstanding job and the home team won rather easily.
Chicago took the opening drive and went right down the field, with Keenum throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to WR Luther Burden. Ben Johnson made a bold decision to go for a 4th down inside the Philadelphia 5 yard line and a pass attempt went incomplete resulting in a turnover on downs.
The Eagles brought the ensuing drive into the red zone but quarterback Jalen Hurts had to briefly exit the game for a concussion test and backup Andy Dalton threw in interception in the end zone to Dillon Thieneman. After a Bears field goal, the road squad put together an effective two minute drill with Hurts getting a tush push over the goal line with no time on the clock to cut the deficit to 10-7 at halftime.
Cairo Santos connected on a 48-yard kick to increase Chicago’s lead to 13-7 in the third quarter. The big offensive blow came on the next drive for the home side when Keenum hit Kalif Raymond on a crossing route that he broke for a 41-yard touchdown and a 20-7 advantage late in the quarter.
The Bears defense completely stifled Philly the entire night and linebacker T.J. Edwards intercepted Hurts near midfield early in the fourth quarter. Keenum and company then went on an eight minute drive that the QB eventually paid off himself with a 1-yard run. That would be the end of the scoring with Chicago victorious by a final of 27-7. (Box score)
Why the Bears Won
They avoided turnovers and the defense did a great job completely shutting down the Eagles.
Key Moment
Philadelphia was in position to tie the game after the Bears came up short on 4th down in the second quarter. The interception by Thieneman kept them ahead and they never gave up the lead after that.
Stats That Matter
- Can’t say enough about how good Keenum was Monday. He threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns without taking a sack.
- Raymond had 90 yards and six catches to go with the touchdown.
- Philadelphia had just 248 total yards and scored the fewest points in a game since 2023.
Bottom Line
Winning a game against a good team with Williams unavailable is a huge bonus. After a horrible performance in the opening game, the Bears defense has done great in two consecutive contests. Keenum has earned the right to start again next week with his excellent performance.
Next Up
The New York Jets come to Chicago for a game Sunday, October 4 at 12:00pm CT in a matchup broadcast on FOX.
