Chicago Bears take over Monday Night Football with Case Keenum as quarterback

The Chicago Bears lead the Philadelphia Eagles 10-7 at halftime.

Case Keenum led the Bears to a touchdown on the first drive of their game.

In the second quarter, the Bears scored a field goal after intercepting a pass from Andy Dalton in their own endzone at 3rd and Goal.

The Eagles, with Jalen Hurts back in play after a concussion check, responded with a touchdown.

The following is from a previous report.

The Bears are taking center stage on Monday Night Football.

But they'll do it without starting quarterback Caleb Williams .

Here's what to expect from the Bears this Monday night.

With Williams sidelined by a hamstring injury, veteran Case Keenum is expected to get the start against the Eagles.

Tyson Bagent is cleared from concussion protocol and available as the backup.

Keenum hasn't played in an NFL game since December of 2023.

But ESPN's Laura Rutledge says he knows Ben Johnson's offense well.

Before the Bears take on the Eagles at Solider Field, ABC7 got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage.

"He's been a bit of a coach player out there, player coach, however you want to put it, and now he gets his opportunity to be out there and show what he's got," Rutledge said.

Rutledge says a strong run game could give Keenum room to work.

Former Bear Israel Idonije says the veteran's best chance is to trust what got him here.

"He can't go out there and try to be Caleb Williams . You know, he's a journeyman; he's talented. He's got to go out there and play his game, control the clock, get the guys behind him, take what the defense gives him," Idonije said.

Still, excitement surrounding this team is building across Chicago , and Bears fever is spreading well beyond the city.

"Chicago is such a great city and such a great fan base and such great people in the city. They've been nothing but welcoming for me. They show out; they show support and they love their sports teams," Bears tight end Colston Loveland said.

"This is a Bears town and people love their football and people love their Bears. So, you just feel that throughout and radiating throughout the whole city," tight end Cole Kmet said.

The team is even getting the Hallmark treatment, teaming up with the Hallmark Channel for "Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story."

The new Christmas movie is out next month.

The Monday Night Football spotlight will also shine on Chicago's Latino community.

The Bears are calling the matchup against the Eagles their "Vamos Bears" game, celebrating Latino heritage and the community's deep connection to the team and the city.

Two-time Latin Grammy-nominated Mariachi Herencia de México, which got its start in Chicago, will perform the national anthem.

Then at halftime, a special live performance will trace the history and influence of Latin music in Chicago, and celebrate generations of Latino communities that have helped shape the city.

The Bears will also recognize two local high school standouts: Alison Segarra of Amundsen High School and Alejandro Gonzalez of Dundee-Crown.

They'll serve as honorary captains and head to midfield with the Bears captains for the pregame coin toss.

And fans will be part of the celebration, too, with wearable "Vamos Bears" flags handed out at the gates.

Idonije joined ABC7 Chicago Monday morning to talk about his South Loop bar's watch party.

Former Bears player Israel Idonije talked about Monday Night Football.

Soldier Field's parking lots open at 3:15 p.m. for tailgaters.