Not many things went right for the Chicago Bears on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. Rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent threw for 235 yards with two interceptions. He did have a rushing touchdown, but it was apparent the Chargers had little respect for the undrafted free agent. Most Bears fans were ready to wash their hands of him after the game, but it seems they’ll have to wait. Head coach Matt Eberflus revealed on ESPN 1000 that Justin Fields’ dislocated thumb still isn’t fully healed.
That means Bagent will start at least one more game, this time on the road against the New Orleans Saints.
The decision isn’t surprising. Chicago is 2-6 after Sunday night. They aren’t anywhere close to the playoff picture anymore. Fields has no reason to rush back from his injury to help the team. Resting him another week would be wise to ensure long-term health. Besides, the Saints aren’t exactly a welcoming opponent. Their defense is 8th in the league against the pass. The Superdome can be inhospitable to opposing quarterbacks. Let the rookie take the lumps and bring Fields back fresh against Carolina at home the next week.
Tyson Bagent will have one more chance to prove himself.
The Chargers game was a frustrating one. People talk about the two interceptions he threw. They often overlook the fact he should’ve also had two big touchdown throws as well. Darnell Mooney caught a 41-yard bomb to open the game but was called down even though replays showed he was never touched. Then Velus Jones was wide open in the end zone but fell down, allowing the ball to ricochet off his chest. One of his interceptions was also off a deflection that hit Mooney in the hands.
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It doesn’t absolve him of blame. Tyson Bagent didn’t show enough in that game to prove he can be an NFL starter. Still, it was his second-ever start. Asking him to look like a top-15 guy in such a short time feels unfair. Getting a third chance in New Orleans grants him the opportunity to show he can learn from his mistakes and isn’t a slave to his physical inadequacies. Beating the Saints would at least allow him to have the last word before Fields returns.
