LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The Bears (2-5) visit the Los Angeles Chargers (2-4) on Sunday for a primetime game at SoFi Stadium. Here are three storylines to follow in the matchup.
1. Tyson’s second start
Bears rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent’s first NFL start showcased promise. His second start Sunday will provide more evidence of what his potential is.
An undrafted rookie signed out of Division-II Shepherd University, Bagent has become a national underdog story following the Bears’ 30-12 victory against the Raiders last Sunday at Soldier Field. That narrative will now be shared to a national television audience.
The rise of Bagent is an unlikely one, as he was a star at Shepherd who chose to remain there rather than transfer to a bigger program. He then earned his spot on the Bears' roster and eventually the backup role. When starter Justin Fields suffered a dislocated right thumb on Oct. 15, Bagent stepped in for Chicago.
Bagent was 21-of-29 for 162 yards and a touchdown in his first NFL start last Sunday. He effectively managed the game plan and guided his team admirably. Despite that, head coach Matt Eberflus stated that Fields will return to his starting role once he's medically cleared to return.
If Bagent and the Bears earn a road win against the Chargers on national television, the cries will grow louder for him to continue as the starting quarterback even if Fields is cleared. Let's see what he can do.
2. Redemption of the Mack
Shortly after he was hired by the Bears in January 2022, Eberflus got the opportunity to meet with star pass rusher Khalil Mack. But their time together was short-lived.
The Bears traded Mack to the Chargers in March 2022, less than two months after Eberflus arrived at Halas Hall. The trade landed the Bears a pair of draft picks in return and signaled the start of their rebuild.
Mack has 15 sacks over 23 games with the Chargers, including a remarkable six-sack performance in a win against the Raiders on Oct. 1. Even at 32, he has remained one of the league's best pass rushers.
“Just admired him over the years,” Eberflus said. “His ability to be a consistent pro and produce every year that he was healthy and out there. He’s a handful.”
Mack and fellow Chargers star pass rusher Joey Bosa will look to exploit a Bears offensive line that may need to adjust due to injuries. Rookie right tackle Darnell Wright's status for Sunday is in doubt due to his shoulder/toe injury, and it’s unclear how the Bears would address that vacancy if he’s unable to play.
At the least, Wright might have to play through pain against a pair of dominant rushers.
3. Bears defense stepping up
During the course of a franchise-worst 14-game losing streak in the second half of the 2022 campaign and the start of this season, the Bears surrendered 25 points or more in every game. In the three games since, Chicago has allowed 20 points or fewer each time out.
“Sometimes, it takes a little bit,” Bears linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi said. “And you can really see the defense these last few weeks, we’re playing fast, we’re playing physical. It’s not about the call, it’s about the execution. It’s not like we’re inventing new calls or anything. It’s the same defense we played last year. We’re just executing it better, and part of that too I think is that guys are more comfortable in the system.”
Led by quarterback Justin Herbert and running back Austin Ekeler, the Chargers will be a tough test for the Bears, as they rank 11th in scoring and eighth in total offense this season. This will be the Bears defense's biggest challenge since Chicago lost 41-10 at Kansas City on Sept. 24.
The Bears can further prove their defense has turned the corner with a strong performance against the Chargers.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.