Stability at quarterback is something the Chicago Bears haven’t known for decades. The closest they came was the Jay Cutler era from 2009 through 2016, when he was their primary starter. Outside of that, it’s been a revolving door of names since the 1950s. Team chairman George McCaskey took over the organization from his brother Michael in 2011. Since then, the Bears have started 18 different quarterbacks. Tyson Bagent will become the 19th on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Cole Kmet has now worked with nine of them.
One could understand if the big tight end has little to say about Bagent. He’s seen the revolving door at quarterback spinning since he arrived in Chicago. However, he hasn’t let that deter him from doing everything possible to help Bagent prepare. It sounds like many in the locker room like the undrafted rookie. He comes across as a hard worker with plenty of self-confidence. Greg Braggs of CHGO spoke to Kmet about what happened when Bagent stepped into the huddle for the first time after Justin Fields’ injury last Sunday. Kmet had one word to describe him.
Loud.
Cole Kmet knew immediately Bagent wasn’t scared.
The biggest obstacle to any young quarterback succeeding in the NFL is being overwhelmed by the moment. That is especially true for one who is undrafted. A big reason why guys like Kurt Warner and Tony Romo thrived where so many others have failed is because they had an unshakeable confidence in their own abilities. From what Kmet and others say, Bagent falls into that same category. Yes, he came from small Division II Shepherd. In his mind, that doesn’t matter. He’s defied the odds his entire football career. This is merely another chance to prove people wrong.
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It sounds like Cole Kmet and others are eager to see what he can do. Many Bears fans already predict doom. That is understandable. The odds of Bagent becoming a legitimate contender for the starting job are remote. Still, he’s flashed enough since the preseason to garner some intrigue. He’s got size, mobility, and can throw with consistent accuracy. He’s good about getting the ball out on time as well. If the Bears can give him proper support, who knows? Maybe he pulls off a shocker against Vegas.
Hope he survives this organization.
Hope he kills it then we have 2 top 1st round picks to spend on non QB’s.
Something to watch the game on Sunday anyways. If he does well and pulls off a win it will be just another step closer to a better team for the Bears. Even if he ends up as a legit number 2.