Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent went from a relative unknown to training camp sensation to QB2 to starter and, for the last three weeks, back at QB2. That is a lot for any player, let alone an undrafted free agent from Division II Shepard University.
Bagent spoke with Clocker Sports and talked about dealing with that and how the entire experience has helped him 15 weeks into his inaugural NFL season.
Bears QB Tyson Bagent Gets Honest About Whirlwind Rookie Season
Tyson Bagent Still Putting Pressure on Himself
Q: Things have kind of slowed down for you. Just what?s that been like, the transition going from the whirlwind of starting to everything kind of quieter the past few weeks?
A: Been able to, I guess, settle into the backup role a little bit better than I was before. I kind of know what to expect when I go out there at this point. So just a little bit more comfortable with everything. But still putting that pressure on myself to make sure I know everything, and make sure I’m able to operate at game speed.
Q: When you go back and look at those starts, what was your biggest takeaway, maybe positive and negative?
A: Obviously, got to do an amazing job of taking care of the ball as a quarterback in this league. Because it’s the difference between winning and losing. I think we definitely could have gotten out of New Orleans with the win if I take better care of the ball. Positives: just being able to do a good job managing the game and making plays. Being able to make difference-making plays whenever that time comes. But just reacting to that and just putting a focus on managing the game, 100% in my run checks, and in my reads in the pass game. Just continue to emphasize that, and continue to get as good as I can.?
One day you?ll tell your grandkids about the Bagent ?? Kmet connection
? Saints vs. Bears on NFL Game Pass on DAZN pic.twitter.com/fssI0QdQRQ
— NFL on DAZN (@NFLonDAZN) November 5, 2023
You?re Always 1 Snap Away
Q You’ve always been one snap away. But is there a different sense about it, maybe more comfortable if you were to be called now?
A: 100%, yeah. I think repetition is the mother of all learning. I got some real game-time reps, I try to make practice as game-like as I possibly can. Just so I can feel as ready as I can whenever that time comes.
Q: Does that feel different now, the practice reps? Now that you had the game reps is it, maybe not a different approach, but more focused in on what kind of things you’re trying to accomplish?
A: Just kind of my head’s not kind of trying to focus on everything going on. I’m just focused on exactly what I need to do, and I’m able to think through a lot of the things with different fronts we’re getting ? different looks, different packages, all those kind of things.?
Tyson Bagent Has Bright Future With or Without Bears
Bagent downplayed the frenzy that followed him during his rise. His handling of the events that have unfolded since coming into the league — including 859 passing yards on 65.7% completion with three touchdowns and six interceptions — comes as no surprise. He had another 109 yards and two scores on 23 carries, though he did fumble three times, some critical.
Who knows if his time will come again this season, or with the Bears at all given the rumors about their plans in the 2024 draft ? a veteran quarterback would make more sense to pair with a rookie first-round pick if that is the route they choose.
Whatever happens, expect Bagent to handle it accordingly.