Bears rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent made his first NFL start last Sunday against the Raiders, where he led his team to their second victory of the season.
Bagent didn’t have to do much. He completed 21-of-29 passes for 162 yards with one touchdown and — most importantly — no turnovers. Bagent leaned on a productive run game — which totaled 173 yards — and a dominant defense that kept Las Vegas in check.
Bagent executed the role of game manager to perfection, which offensive coordinator Luke Getsy explained impressed him the most about his debut.
“Just the fact that we were able to go out there and operate clean,” Getsy said, via 670 the Score. “He went out and kept his poise like we expected him to do. He did a really nice job of handling — it’s not just the pass game, it’s the run game that we put a lot on our quarterbacks to do a lot. He obviously went out there and showed he was able to do that.”
It’s a good thing, too, considering Bagent is gearing up for his second career NFL start in prime time against the Chargers. Starter Justin Fields is doubtful with a right thumb injury, where he remains week-to-week.
Getsy praised Bagent for how he’s handled his unique journey into the NFL, where it certainly looks like Chicago has a solid backup quarterback.
“Credit to Tyson for his work ethic, his determination today that he got here,” Getsy said. “He had a purpose to make sure that he was ready for whenever or if an opportunity ever came around. So, all the credit to him.”