The Eagles could encounter an entirely different Chicago Bears offense if Case Keenum starts Monday night at Soldier Field. Caleb Williams is considered week-to-week with a hamstring injury, while Tyson Bagent has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol. If neither quarterback is cleared, Chicago would turn to Keenum for his first regular-season start since 2023.
Here is what Philadelphia should expect from the veteran quarterback.
Keenum brings extensive starting experience
Keenum has appeared in 80 regular-season games and made 66 starts during a career that began in 2012. He has completed 62.3% of his passes for 15,175 yards, 79 touchdowns, and 51 interceptions.
However, only four of those starts have come since 2020. Keenum last played in 2023, when he made two starts for the Houston Texans
and completed 34 of 53 passes for 291 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Keenum’s experience should allow Chicago to keep most of its offense available. He has played in several systems and should understand how to manage protections, identify pressure, and get the football to his playmakers.
Chicago could emphasize rhythm and play-action passes
Keenum does not present the same improvisational or designed-running threat as Williams. His game is built around timing, anticipation, and keeping the offense on schedule.
The Bears could lean heavily on their running game, play-action passes, and quick throws designed to limit Philadelphia’s pass rush. Screens, crossing routes and throws to the tight ends could help Keenum establish an early rhythm. Philadelphia’s defenders must tackle well and keep short completions from turning into manageable third downs.
The Eagles should disguise coverage and pressure the pocket
Vic Fangio can make Keenum uncomfortable by changing the picture after the snap. Philadelphia should show pressure, rotate its safeties, and force Keenum to hold the football long enough for the pass rush to arrive. Interior pressure will be especially important. Keenum has enough mobility to move within the pocket, but the Eagles should be able to limit his effectiveness by collapsing his initial throwing lanes and forcing him to create outside the structure of the play.
Philadelphia cannot overlook a veteran backup
Keenum would not offer Chicago the same upside as Williams, but his experience makes him capable of managing a game if the Eagles let him stay comfortable.
Final analysis
Philadelphia’s goal should be to take away his first read, win on early downs, and force the Bears into obvious passing situations. If the Eagles control the running game and generate consistent pressure, Keenum could be forced into the aggressive throws that have produced 51 career interceptions.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: What Eagles should expect if Case Keenum starts for the Bears
