Bears HC addresses QB situation following rookie Tyson Bagent's performance
Although Chicago Bears undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent exceeded expectations in his first start, a quarterback controversy isn't brewing.
"The only big-picture reason to start the rookie over a healthy [Justin] Fields would be if you've already decided Fields can't be the guy," wrote ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano. "I don't get the feeling the Bears are there yet, and once Fields is healthy, I'll bet we see him get another shot."
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus reiterated Fields will retain the starting job after he recovers from a dislocated right thumb.
"Justin is our starting quarterback. Tyson's the backup, he came in and did a nice job," Eberflus said after a 30-12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, via Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith. "We don't know where Justin is, we'll see where he is, if it's a week-to-week thing, we'll assess it more tomorrow."
Bagent — a former Division II star out of Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va. — impressed in Sunday's victory. He completed 21-of-29 passes for 162 yards and a TD. Per Courtney Cronin of ESPN, the 23-year-old recorded the third-highest completion percentage (72.4 percent) by an undrafted rookie in the common-draft era.
Not to discredit Bagent, but the solid performance doesn't prove he's a franchise QB. The Las Vegas defense is 22nd in the NFL in points allowed (23 points per game).
In six starts, Fields has posted a below-average 39.2 QBR. Still, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft probably has a higher ceiling.
Yet if Fields doesn't improve and Chicago (2-5) wants to move on, don't be surprised if the team turns to Bagent again. He proved he's a viable backup with some upside.
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