With star quarterback Caleb Williams sidelined, veteran Case Keenum leads Chicago against the undefeated Eagles in a high-stakes primetime rematch fueled by last season’s physical upset.
The Chicago Bears will have the NFL world's attention on Monday night.
They are facing the 2-0 Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football at Soldier Field. It's not going to be an easy game by any means.
There was speculation leading up to the game about who would start at quarterback for the Bears. Caleb Williams went down with a grade-two hamstring injury and is now expected to be out for the next 3-4 weeks.
This meant it would be between Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum for the Week 3 starter. Bagent had to clear concussion protocol first, so Keenum seemed like the obvious choice.
It came down to the Bears' final injury report on Sunday. Bagent cleared concussion protocol, but the Bears decided to go with Keenum under center. Bagent will serve as the backup.
Both Keenum and Bagent spent all last season sitting behind Williams, but they are now familiar with the offense.
All eyes will be on the Bears on Monday Night Football. Head coach Ben Johnson was asked for his thoughts about playing on that stage.
Johnson didn't seem very concerned at Saturday's press conference. It looks like he is treating it as just another game.
He did note that playing in front of the home crowd is definitely a plus in these situations.
This is absolutely the mentality Johnson should have, but this game won't be like any other for the Bears, especially after what happened last year.
The Bears went into Philadelphia and shocked the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, 24-15. They were by far the more physical team.
Running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai finished the game with over 100 yards each. Swift and Monangai each scored a touchdown. Tight end Cole Kmet caught the only passing touchdown of the night from Williams.
Now, the Eagles will want revenge after losing that way in their own stadium. They'll have to do it on the road at Soldier Field this time around.
The Bears would definitely have a better chance of winning with Williams under center, but the home crowd in Chicago won't make things easy on the Eagles.
Keenum is an experienced veteran, too and his skillset shouldn't be downplayed.
This could be a crucial game for the Bears as they try to navigate the NFL without Williams for the next couple of weeks. The Bears and Eagles meet on Monday Night Football at 7:15 p.m. CT on ESPN and ABC.
