The most important statistic for Case Keenum Monday night might not be passing yards. It might be turnovers.
Keenum is expected to start against Philadelphia after taking all of the Bears' QB1 snaps during the week. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed Monday morning that Chicago intends to stick with the 38-year-old even though Tyson Bagent has cleared concussion protocol.
Naturally, Bears fans will be tempted to judge Keenum by whether he throws for 250 yards and a couple of scores.
But, that's the wrong standard.
The Bears don't need Keenum to become their offense. They need him to avoid wrecking it.
Bears have enough talent around Keenum
Chicago leads the NFL in rushing at 212.5 yards per game, and both of their running backs -- D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai -- are healthy.
The offensive line produced several strong individual performances against Minnesota even as the offense struggled.
The defense didn't allow a touchdown last week.
Taken together, the Bears have the ingredients to win without their starting quarterback.
What destroys that formula? Giving the Eagles' offense short fields because of interceptions and fumbles.
Philadelphia has won its first two games despite some offensive inconsistency. Chicago doesn't need to make Hurts' job easier by giving him additional possessions.
Keenum's experience is why he's starting for the Bears
Keenum hasn't thrown a regular-season pass since 2023, but he's made 66 NFL starts. He's completed 62.3% of his career passes with 79 touchdowns and 51 interceptions.
He won't be learning on the job Monday night, but, admittedly, he's in a tough spot against a potentially ferocious Eagles defensive line.
Still, Case Keenum's mission is pretty straightforward: Make the right checks, get the Bears into the right play, take what the defense gives him, and when nothing is there, live to play another down.
Don't expect any fireworks from the Bears' offense Monday night. In fact, Chicago should be pretty boring when they have the ball. And if they are, they might just steal a win without Iceman in the lineup.
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