Eagles Will Likely Face Case Keenum in Week 3 Matchup With Bears

The Philadelphia Eagles are likely to see the Chicago Bears' third-string quarterback Case Keenum start in their Week 3 matchup. Starting quarterback Caleb Williams left the Bears' Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings with a hamstring injury, while backup quarterback Tyson Bagent hasn't practiced this week due to a concussion.

That leaves Keenum as the likely starter for Chicago, despite not having appeared in an NFL game since the 2023 season. The 38-year-old quarterback appeared in two games in 2023 for the Houston Texans, completing 34 of 53 passes (64.2 percent) for 291 yards and a touchdown, while throwing three interceptions.

The veteran is in his 15th season in the league and has completed 62.3 percent of his passes in his career for 15,175 yards, 79 touchdowns, and 51 interceptions. 

While he won't run the offense as Williams does, Keenum could be a capable backup, and the Eagles' defense needs to be prepared to face off against him. 

The Bears have some talented weapons on offense, including their running back duo of D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. Swift has rushed for 169 yards and three touchdowns through the first two weeks of the season, while Monangai has added 147 yards and a touchdown.

Chicago also has some talented weapons in the passing game with Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland. All three have surprisingly been held in check this season, as Odunze has five receptions for 95 yards, Burden has eight receptions for 95 yards, and Loveland has one reception for three yards.

Despite the low numbers, Philadelphia's secondary needs to be ready for one of these weapons to explode at any moment.

The Eagles' defense has been solid in the first two weeks of the season, allowing the sixth-fewest passing yards per game (166). However, they have struggled against the run, allowing the ninth-most rushing yards per game (127).

Philadelphia will need Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and others to be disruptive against the run, as that is what could make this a competitive game.

On offense, the Eagles need to establish their run game with Saquon Barkley to ease pressure off of Jalen Hurts and the passing attack.

Philadelphia has a great chance to start off the year 3-0, but they can't take Chicago for granted and will need their defense to come out and stop the run and put pressure on Keenum to pass the ball downfield.