The ChicagoBears defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-7, in impressive fashion on Monday Night Football, where the Bears won a game with third-string quarterback Case Keenum under center.
Everyone doubted the Bears heading into this Week 3 matchup with injuries at quarterback, but Ben Johnson showed exactly why he's a good head coach and one of the best offensive play callers in the NFL with an inspired performance. Keenum showed his veteran experience in executing this offense, whose run game wasn't at its best in the first half. Meanwhile, the defense had an outstanding outing after holding the Minnesota Vikings to nine points last week. While it looked bleak early in the game, Chicago bent but didn't break and held Philadelphia to a single
touchdown all game -- a surprise Tush Push as time expired in the first half.
We're handing out our game balls to three standout performers, from good to better to best, in the Bears' Week 3 win:
Good: DC Dennis Allen
Give it up for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who has yet to have his full cast of characters in two seasons, after a monster game for the defense against a talented Eagles offense. Chicago allowed just seven points -- a last-second Tush Push at the end of the first half being the only points -- and managed to force Jalen Hurts into mistakes that they capitalized on. The Bears totaled three takeaways -- for the second time this season -- and managed to get pressure on Hurts throughout the game. After a rough showing from the run defense in the first half, they tightened things up and made things difficult on Philadelphia.
Better: QB Case Keenum
The 38-year-old Case Keenum was the star of the show in his first NFL start since Dec. 24, 2023, and he played a key role in Chicago upsetting the undefeated Philadelphia squad. Keenum executed Ben Johnson's offense to perfection, looking like the comfortable, experienced veteran he is. Keenum completed 24-of-34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions and a 110.8 passer rating. He also added a rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter to give him three on the night.
Best: HC Ben Johnson
For the first time in his career as an offensive play caller, Ben Johnson called a game with a backup quarterback with third-stringer Case Keenum getting the starting nod, and the results were more of the same as if his starter was in the game. Heading into Week 3, Johnson discussed how the team relished the opportunity to prove everyone wrong who doubted Chicago with starter Caleb Williams sidelined. Johnson called a heck of a game on offense, fresh off a rough showing against the Vikings, and he out-coached Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio en route to a statement win.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Good, Better, Best: Bears' game balls in impressive win vs. Eagles
