Tyson Bagent displays 'grit' and a distinct edge as he vies for the Bears' QB2 position.
Bears' offensive coordinator Luke Getsy missed an opportunity to select quarterback Tyson Bagent for his Senior Bowl team last January. But fate had other plans. This twist allowed Getsy to familiarize himself with the prolific Division II quarterback, eventually leading to Bagent's acquisition by the Bears as an undrafted free agent.
"Watching him play in college, you could see his talent and precision on screen," Getsy reflected during a chat at Halas Hall. "But interacting with him, witnessing his leadership, diligence, and demeanor on and off the field, that's the invaluable insight."
Bagent's accomplishments include holding the NCAA record for career touchdown passes at 159 and bagging the 2021 Harlan Hill Trophy, D-II's version of the Heisman. His prowess as a quarterback is undeniable.
Despite hailing from a less prestigious league, the Bears assessed Bagent just as they would any other prospective quarterback. NFL is the real deal � either you make the cut, or you don't. The experience of coaching Bagent against elite Division I talent at the Senior Bowl was instrumental for the Bears to gauge his mettle. He rose to the challenge undeterred.
Andrew Janocko, Bears' quarterback coach, emphasized the universality of their evaluation criteria, "Regardless of the league, we're looking for key attributes in a quarterback. And Division II has produced legends. The Senior Bowl just gave us an extra lens, allowing us to evaluate him against competition he might not have seen before."
Upon his induction, Bagent had the chance to showcase his skills at the Bears' rookie minicamp. But rather than resting on his laurels and relying on his college techniques, Bagent delved into mastering the nuances of Getsy's playbook. This resilience, adaptability, and dedication didn't go unnoticed.
"He's quick-witted and resilient," Janocko observed during the rookie minicamp. "His adaptability and commitment, especially when it comes to refining his footwork based on our guidance, is commendable."
As summer progressed, Bagent, initially the fourth choice behind Fields, Walker, and Peterman, began to shine. His growth curve was evident, and his performance during the preseason game against the Tennessee Titans solidified his standing. His calm and precision, even in high-pressure situations, were evident during the Colts' game, further cementing his reputation among the team.
Darnell Mooney, the wide receiver, couldn't help but sing praises after witnessing Bagent's display, "His clarity of purpose and swiftness were a sight to behold. He knew his plays and executed them with perfection."
Bagent's peers weren't surprised by his show. Roschon Johnson, the running back, lauded his poise, noting, "His calm and confident demeanor is a testament to his skill, regardless of where he comes from."
Matt Eberflus, Bears head coach, hinted at the ongoing competition for the backup quarterback slot, with Getsy agreeing but emphasizing a comprehensive evaluation.
"Of course, every player has a shot," Getsy shared. "A single drive doesn't guarantee a position. We need to look at the bigger picture and base our decisions on an overall assessment."
The odds might be slim for a Division II Shepherd grad to secure the primary backup spot for the Bears in less than three weeks. But Bagent's consistent performance indicates he's more than just a one-time wonder.
Janocko encapsulated the sentiments, saying, "He exudes a unique blend of calmness, confidence, and charm. A quarterback needs more than just skills; they need an indomitable spirit, and Bagent has that in spades."
In evaluating quarterbacks, aspects beyond raw talent and college record come into play. A leader needs to possess an ineffable quality that inspires trust and loyalty.
Janocko added, "We prioritize this intrinsic quality of confidence and a winning demeanor in our evaluation. Bagent has certainly shown signs of it."
Amid the rising Bagent fever, it's evident that he brings a positive shift when leading the Bears' offense. He's quick in decision-making, accurate in his throws, and has fewer errors compared to Walker and Peterman.
Yet, the Bears will take a holistic view, considering all factors, before finalizing their backup for Fields. Experience is essential, but the present performance cannot be sidelined.
While experience is invaluable, Getsy emphasized, "What really counts is delivering your best when it's most needed."
Bagent will get one last preseason shot to prove his worth. He recognizes the gravity of the situation and knows that preparation and perseverance are key.
As the preseason closes, it will be interesting to see whether Bagent's innate qualities will outweigh Walker's experience and contractual advantages.
| POLL | ||
24 AOUT | 43 ANSWERS Tyson Bagent displays 'grit' and a distinct edge as he vies for the Bears' QB2 position. Will Tyson Begeant be the QB2? | ||
| yes | 29 | 67.4 % |
| No | 14 | 32.6 % |
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