New Stats Show Tyson Bagent Was Even Better Than We Thought
The Chicago Bears have added several undrafted quarterbacks throughout their history. Most of them never even reach the practice squad, let alone crack the main roster. Recent examples include Dalyn Williams, Shane Carden, Jerrod Johnson, and Matt Blanchard. All went the exact same way you’d expect. They filled a roster spot in training camp, didn’t make much of an impression, and were out of the NFL shortly after that. This is why people need to acknowledge what Tyson Bagent has done over the past three weeks is not normal.
It’s the complete opposite. This kid came in from a small Division II program at Shepherd, saw two veterans in P.J. Walker and Nathan Peterman ahead of him on the depth chart, and decided they weren’t learning opportunities. They were obstacles. After another strong performance against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, it feels like Bagent has done enough to wrap up a roster spot. He’s even made a case for the #2 quarterback job. Upon digging further into the numbers, it becomes even more apparent that this rookie is different.
Tyson Bagent excelled in areas he shouldn’t have.
Let’s start with how he handled pressure. Over the course of three games, Bagent had a man in his face 16 times. Four of those times ended in sacks. That is normal. The bigger surprise was the other 12. He went 5-of-7 on those plays, collecting 35 yards and three first downs. That speaks to a player that is poised under pressure and can still make accurate throws.
Speaking of accuracy, another thing that stuck out with Tyson Bagent was how effective he was passing over the middle. Any quarterback will tell you the middle of the field is the hardest to be precise in because it’s the most crowded and chaotic. The rookie went 7-of-9 for 63 yards in that area. One of those incompletions was a horrific drop by tight end Stephen Carlson that would’ve been a touchdown. The other came on the next play when a miscommunication led to an interception.
People will argue he did this against backups. So what? NFL backups are still a massive step up from his Division II competition. If he can make that leap, it isn’t a stretch to think he can go even further. Talent is not a problem Bagent. He’s 6’3, mobile, has plenty of arm strength and throws with accuracy. The primary concerns were whether he could make good reads against NFL speed. The evidence speaks for itself. He needs polish, but the Bears appear to have found something in this kid.