The veteran quarterback, who came out of retirement in 2025 at the behest of Johnson, was thrust into the starting role after Caleb Williams was sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain and Tyson Bagent remained in concussion protocol until Sunday. Keenum’s composure under pressure was the defining narrative of the evening, as he accounted for three total touchdowns and committed zero turnovers in a display that left his teammates and coaches impressed.
A Veteran Masterclass Under the Lights
Keenum’s efficiency was particularly notable against the Philadelphia pass rush. Despite defensive coordinator Vic Fangio dialing up 12 blitzes throughout the contest, the veteran remained unruffled, completing 11 of 11 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns when facing additional pressure. His ability to read the field allowed the Bears to lean on their passing attack when the ground game struggled to find early momentum, with Keenum finishing the night 24-of-34 for 247 yards.
The scoring began on an 11-play, 66-yard opening drive capped by an 8-yard touchdown pass to Luther Burden III. Keenum later extended the lead with a 41-yard strike to Kalif Raymond in the third quarter and added a 1-yard rushing touchdown on a quarterback sneak. With this victory, Keenum joined Ryan Fitzpatrick as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to win starts with seven different franchises. At 38 years and 223 days old, he also became the second-oldest quarterback in Bears history to win a start.
Preparation Meets Opportunity
The success was the result of an exhaustive preparation process, with Keenum dedicating 14 to 16 hours a day to film study and game planning throughout the week. His commitment was evident during the final pre-game quarterback meeting, where he took full control of the session, outlining the game plan with a level of confidence that resonated throughout the locker room. Teammate Kalif Raymond noted that Keenum’s pre-game message—reminding the squad that while he might not be a cowboy, it was certainly not his first rodeo—set the tone for the entire evening.
Coach Johnson highlighted the trust he placed in his veteran signal-caller, particularly when the team opted to continue passing despite a slow start for the rushing attack. For Keenum, the victory represented a deeply personal milestone after years of uncertainty regarding his playing future. As the NFL continues to see backup quarterbacks step up during this injury-plagued season, Keenum’s performance stands as a testament to the value of experience and readiness in the face of adversity.
