The Chicago Bears will go back to Justin Fields when he is ready to play. That isn't this week. So, for at least one more game, Tyson Bagent will run the show on offense. People liked what they saw from the undrafted rookie in his first start. It wasn't anything special, but it was far more efficient than most players with his experience would've pulled off. He completed over 72% of his passes for 162 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. Together with a ground attack that chewed up 173 yards, the Bears crushed the Las Vegas Raiders 30-12.
Most people credit D'Onta Foreman and the defense for securing the victory. That is fair. Foreman scored three touchdowns. The defense allowed only six points until garbage time. However, that game doesn't unfold like it did without Bagent's ability to keep the offense on schedule. He did this by converting six third downs, five of them through the air. Former player Brian Baldinger illustrated how this occurred through tape study. A big strength that stood out right away?
Bagent's footwork.
One of the persistent complaints about Justin Fields since he arrived in Chicago was how erratic his feet were. It was a big reason he often struggled with timing throws and saw pressure arrive before he was set. Robert Schmitz of Da Bears Blog illustrated this by lining him and Bagent up. It's clear the rookie has a far more crisp dropback, allowing him to be calmer in the pocket.
Tyson Bagent offers what Fields still can't provide.
Nobody disputes that Fields is the superior athlete. That is obvious. He's got far better mobility and a better arm. He can rack up yards and touchdowns with frightening speed when he's clicking. The problem with Fields is his consistency. It's been nonexistent most of his tenure in Chicago. Here's his production from his last four appearances:
- 11-of-22 for 99 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- 28-of-35 for 335 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT
- 15-of-28 for 285 yards, 4 TDs
- 6-of-10 for 58 yards, 1 INT
That isn't consistency. That is a rollercoaster. It is hard to win in the NFL with somebody like that. Tyson Bagent might be unable to offer the same explosiveness, but he keeps the offense out of bad situations. Against the Raiders, Chicago faced 3rd and 7 or longer only four times. Fields did so four times in less than three quarters against Minnesota. He's taken a snap in that situation 34 times this season.
The Bears remain committed to him, as they should be. One can only hope he's taking notes watching how Tyson Bagent operates in the offense.
Comments
Join the discussion below. Keep it civil and focused on the content.
Loading comments...