The evolving connection between Tyson Bagent and DJ Moore will be a crucial factor in determining the Bears' offensive potential.
DJ Moore and Tyson Bagent found themselves on opposite ends of the NFL spectrum. On one side, an undrafted rookie quarterback from Division II Shepherd; on the other, an elite wide receiver hailed as a conquering hero upon arrival.
Little did Moore know that Bagent would eventually become the Bears' starting quarterback in Week 7 due to Justin Fields' injury. Initially, Moore playfully engaged with Bagent, trying to make the rookie laugh, even before the notion of him becoming the backup quarterback arose.
Moore explained, "I used to just mess with Tyson in the locker room. Even before the whole backup thing came up. I used to talk to Tyson, and he used to chuckle. I don't know if I was too funny to him or not funny enough."
Bagent, initially unsure about how to interact with the star receiver, found Moore's approach welcoming.
"I feel like he's one of the best in the world," Bagent commented. "I think incoming undrafted guy from D-II, you could be a little star-struck, but you realize when he's around, and he was just even cool to have a casual conversation with me almost immediately, like in OTAs in the sauna and stuff like that."
Following Justin Fields' injury, Moore provided unwavering support to Bagent, which the young quarterback deeply appreciated.
"Once Justin went down, he was just one of those dudes who really had my back, loved me up to the media, and did all the things to make me feel good and confident, and I appreciate that," said Bagent.
Now, five months after their initial interaction, Bagent and Moore's connection is set to play a significant role for as long as Fields remains sidelined.
During the Bears' recent 30-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Bagent targeted Moore nine times, with Moore successfully hauling in eight passes for 54 yards. The Bears relied on a short-passing strategy to support Bagent in his first NFL start.
Although the Bears' game plan against the Raiders focused on short passes and the running game, one throw to Moore on third-and-7 displayed a developing chemistry between the No. 1 receiver and the backup quarterback.
On that play, Bagent and Moore executed a well-coordinated play, with Moore adjusting his route to help Bagent when the quarterback was under pressure. Bagent recognized Moore's advantage over his defender and delivered a precise 15-yard pass.
"It felt good. It felt smooth," Bagent commented. "I thought DJ did a good job with separating and working the scramble drill, getting off of his route and then getting in tune with me, and then, once again, just as a pro quarterback, gotta be able to make that throw."
While the Bears played conservatively against the Raiders, the team expects Bagent to be ready for a more demanding test in his second start against the Los Angeles Chargers. If the Chargers attempt to limit the short passing game, it could provide an opportunity for the growing Bagent-Moore connection to shine.
Moore has complete trust in Bagent's abilities, describing him as having a confident and assertive demeanor in the huddle. He looks forward to seeing Bagent perform again in the upcoming game.
As they prepare to face the Chargers, Bagent and Moore's partnership, which began with casual conversations in the sauna at Halas Hall, will be under scrutiny in prime time.
| POLL | ||
26 OCTOBRE | 34 ANSWERS The evolving connection between Tyson Bagent and DJ Moore will be a crucial factor in determining the Bears' offensive potential. Will DJ Moore have more than 1,000 yards? | ||
| Yes | 30 | 88.2 % |
| No | 4 | 11.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
