2023 NFL Power Rankings: Chicago Bears

Young riser: QB Tyson Bagent

Bagent signed with the Bears as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason and beat out other veteran quarterbacks for a spot on the active roster. He then earned his role as QB2 by Week 4. In a year's time, the 23-year-old quarterback went from Division II standout to winning his first NFL start in a 30-12 victory over the Raiders. He was efficient (21-of-29, 162 yards, TD) in his operation of Chicago's offense and did not turn the ball over, giving the Bears a solid option at backup quarterback while Justin Fields is sidelined with a dislocated thumb.-- Courtney Cronin

I have to imagine Sunday's 30-12 blowout of the Raiders was among the more pleasurable games for Bears fans to watch over the past few years. Chicago went up 14-0 early and scored points in every quarter. The defense produced three takeaways and didn't allow a play longer than 15 yards. The run game was forceful, creative and fruitful. And yes, Tyson Bagent looked the part in his first NFL start, leading four scoring drives and not turning it over against a Las Vegas defense that had played well recently. By halftime, it was easy to forget Bagent faced the likes of Southern Connecticut State, Kutztown and East Stroudsburg one year ago. Even if the undrafted rookie out of Shepherd University never rises past backup status, he's already been an NFL success, just making it to this point this fast.

Tyson Bagent played well in beating the Raiders. The defense also made big strides in that game.

WR DJ Moore's 636 receiving yards are nearly 100 clear of what any Chicago player produced in 2022. All of 2022.

One question: Who is Tyson Bagent?

Bagent completed 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in a win Sunday. In his previous start, he threw for 165 yards for Shepherd University in a 44-13 loss to the Colorado School of Mines in the Division II playoffs. The Bears added him as an undrafted free agent after this year's draft, and he won the backup job in the preseason. He now has as many wins for the Bears as Justin Fields in the last calendar year.

Every week Justin Fields can't play hinders the Bears' need to evaluate him for the long term. But that's not Tyson Bagent's problem. Shout out to the rookie for a wonderful performance, giving the Bears their first home win since Week 3 of 2022.

Justin Fields is unlikely to return this weekend, so it's another start for rookie Tyson Bagent, who looked good on Sunday. It's impressive that he made the jump from Division II to the NFL without looking overwhelmed. Certainly a fun subplot in the Bears' season.

Is Tyson Bagent ready for prime time? Ready or not, here prime time comes.

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