Chicago Bears fans criticize Troy Aikman
Chicago Bears fans criticized Troy Aikman during ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast after he supported an unnecessary roughness call involving Jalen Hurts. Chicago defeated Philadelphia 27-7 on September 28, 2026, at Soldier Field.
Some viewers accused Aikman of favoring Philadelphia after he also questioned Chicago coach Ben Johnson’s earlier fourth-down decision. The criticism followed two separate second-quarter moments that became major talking points during the broadcast.
Jalen Hurts draws a second quarter flag
Jalen Hurts scrambled toward the sideline in the second quarter before D’Marco Jackson made contact as Hurts went out of bounds. Officials called unnecessary roughness on Jackson, while Lane Johnson was also flagged for holding, creating offsetting penalties and a replay of the down.
Aikman said quarterbacks sometimes take plays to the edge but believed Hurts was clearly going out of bounds. He told viewers, “I don’t disagree with the call,” supporting the officials’ decision to penalize Jackson.
Jalen Hurts briefly leaves the game
Hurts left briefly for a concussion evaluation after the sideline contact. Andy Dalton replaced him while Philadelphia continued the possession, and Hurts later received clearance to return before the Eagles’ final drive of the half.
Dalton stayed in for Philadelphia’s red-zone series and threw an interception to rookie safety Dillon Thieneman. The turnover preserved Chicago’s 7-0 lead during the second quarter and became Thieneman’s first NFL interception.
Chicago Bears gain a short field
Chicago created an early scoring chance after Tank Bigsby lost possession on a short reception. Austin Booker forced the fumble, and Xavier Woods recovered at Philadelphia’s 15-yard line late in the first quarter.
The Bears reached the goal line but failed to score. Quinyon Mitchell broke up Case Keenum’s fourth-down pass intended for Luther Burden III, ending the possession while Chicago still held a 7-0 advantage.
Troy Aikman questions Ben Johnson
Aikman questioned Ben Johnson’s choice to keep the offense on the field rather than attempt a field goal. He said he would have taken the points after Chicago failed on fourth down.
Some Chicago viewers interpreted that criticism as bias against the Bears. Social media posts complained about Aikman’s repeated focus on Johnson’s decision and questioned whether he would judge the same choice differently for another team.
Case Keenum delivers for Chicago
Case Keenum started because Caleb Williams was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Tyson Bagent cleared concussion protocol on Sunday, leaving the 38-year-old veteran to make his first NFL start since December 24, 2023.
Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, posting a 110.8 passer rating. He also scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak during Chicago’s fourth-quarter drive against Philadelphia.
Chicago Bears defense limits Philadelphia
Chicago’s defense forced three turnovers and limited Philadelphia to 248 total yards. The Eagles converted only two of nine third downs, while Hurts finished with 153 passing yards and a 64.2 passer rating.
The Bears allowed only 62 total yards after halftime and opened the third quarter with three consecutive defensive stops. Philadelphia scored no second-half points as Chicago extended its advantage across the final two quarters.
Luther Burden III starts the scoring
Luther Burden III scored Chicago’s opening touchdown on an 8-yard shovel pass from Keenum. The Bears covered 66 yards in 11 plays, while Keenum completed five of six passes for 45 yards.
Kalif Raymond later caught a 41-yard touchdown pass that gave Chicago a 20-7 lead in the third quarter. The play became Keenum’s longest completion since a 65-yard pass in December 2019.
Jalen Hurts scores before halftime
Philadelphia’s only touchdown came on the final play before halftime. Hurts scored from 1 yard after an 8-yard completion to DeVonta Smith, cutting Chicago’s lead to 10-7 at the break.
Saquon Barkley gained 73 rushing yards before halftime but added only nine yards on four carries afterward. Philadelphia produced just 62 total yards during a scoreless second half as Chicago pulled away.
Dillon Thieneman records first interception
Dillon Thieneman recorded his first NFL interception when he picked off Dalton in the end zone. The rookie safety stopped Philadelphia’s scoring chance while Hurts remained out for evaluation during the second quarter.
T.J. Edwards produced Chicago’s third takeaway by intercepting Hurts on fourth down late in the third quarter. The Bears then carried a 20-7 lead into the fourth quarter before adding another touchdown.
Fun fact: Aikman and Joe Buck began calling NFL games together in 2002 and have since worked more than 300 regular-season matchups as a broadcast pair.
Chicago Bears improve to 2-1
Chicago improved to 2-1 with the victory after losing 9-3 to Minnesota one week earlier. Philadelphia also fell to 2-1 after opening its season with consecutive victories over its first two opponents.
The Bears scored 59 points against Carolina in Week 1 before managing only three against Minnesota. Their 27-point performance against Philadelphia restored scoring production, while Caleb Williams remained unavailable due to a hamstring injury.
Case Keenum reaches rare age marks
Keenum made his first NFL start in 1,009 days, dating to December 24, 2023, with Houston. At age 38, he became the second-oldest Bears quarterback to win a game he started.
He also became the oldest Bears player to score a rushing touchdown. Keenum joined a group of six NFL quarterbacks age 38 or older who had passed for at least 240 yards, thrown two touchdown passes and rushed for a touchdown in a game.
Travis Kelce broke an all-time NFL record without realizing he was even close to it, adding another milestone to a career already defined by postseason production and longevity.
Troy Aikman works national broadcast
Aikman worked the national broadcast alongside Joe Buck, with Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge reporting from Soldier Field. ESPN had listed the four as its lead Monday Night Football team for the 2026 season.
The measurable result remained clear despite the broadcast debate. Chicago won by 20 points, forced three turnovers, held Philadelphia scoreless after halftime, and moved to 2-1 with its second victory of the season.
Officiating also became a talking point in another recent NFL matchup. See why Mahomes’ roughing penalty draws backlash after Chiefs beat Dolphins
Troy Aikman’s comments divided Bears viewers during a game Chicago controlled after halftime. Was his criticism a fair analysis or too harsh on the Bears? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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