Few topics have been discussed more over the past week than the backup quarterback job for the Chicago Bears. After months of assuming it belonged to veteran P.J. Walker, things began shifting last Saturday when undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent showcased unusual poise and moxy while leading a 92-yard drive for a touchdown. Head coach Matt Eberflus said after the game that the backup job was no longer set in stone. There is a competition, and Bagent has a wide open window to seize it.
That much was telling when the rookie became the first backup to step onto the field against Buffalo in the preseason finale. It was a clear indication the Bears liked what they’d seen from him. They got to see more during the first half. After his first full drive ended with a sack, the rookie again showed his calm. Facing 4th and 4 with four minutes left at the Bills 36, Bagent delivered a precise screen for 11 yards to Roschon Johnson. Three plays later, on 3rd and 7, he scrambled 11 yards for a 1st down.
Two players after that, on 2nd and goal from the Bills 8, the rookie capped the drive with an 8-yard run for the touchdown.
Unfortunately, his afternoon ended on a sour note. The Bears defense forced a turnover on a Trevis Gipson strip-sack on the next series. On the first play, Bagent threw a beauty to a wide open Stephen Carlson in the end zone. Carlson dropped it. On the next play, a miscommunication with wide receiver Daurice Fountain led to an interception by Ja’Marcus Engram. It looked like Fountain was supposed to cut inside but either didn’t or got knocked off his route. What should’ve been his third TD in four drives became a turnover for Bagent instead.
That should not take away from what the Shepherd standout has accomplished. Of all four Bears quarterbacks this preseason, he has looked by far the most comfortable in the offense. His poise, awareness, and accuracy have been consistent every time he’s been on the field. Sure, it hasn’t been perfect. There are things he needs to work on. That said, the bottom line remains unchanged. He has looked better than Walker. If Eberflus is a man of his word, then that backup job belongs to Tyson Bagent.
