LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The Bears (1-5) are looking to bounce back Sunday as they host the Raiders (3-3) at Soldier Field, where kickoff is set for noon. Here are three storylines to follow in the matchup.
1. Tyson's time
Despite taking the road less traveled, Bears rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent always believed a day like this would come.
An undrafted free agent out of Division-II Shepherd University, Bagent signed with the Bears last spring and is set to start at quarterback for them Sunday as starter Justin Fields recovers from a right thumb injury. One year ago, Bagent was preparing for a matchup against West Chester. Now, he's set to square off against the Raiders.
How Bagent reached this point wasn't any accident. After setting Division-II passing records, he has proved himself as a capable quarterback in the NFL. The Bears have been struck by the poise and confidence with which he plays.
"You don't just roll out of bed and do those things," rookie receiver Tyler Scott said. "It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and he kept climbing. He came in, was able to win a job on the roster, the active roster, and now just earn the backup position and now you're going to play your way into being thrown in there. Just how much he's worked. It speaks to his hard work."
The 23-year-old Bagent will face a great challenge in the Raiders, who have relentless pass rusher Maxx Crosby ready to attack and who rank 11th in the NFL in scoring defense.
But Bagent believes he's ready for it, and so do the Bears. Upon entering the game last Sunday after Fields was hurt, Bagent told the coaches that he was prepared to run the entire call sheet. Don't limit the offense on his behalf, he told them.
Bagent's processing skills and quick decision-making fit well in offensive coordinator Luke Getsy's scheme. Whether it all clicks will be something to follow, especially with Fields potentially missing an extended period of time.
2. On the defense
Lost in the Bears' defeat against the Vikings last Sunday was the their defense's strong performance.
The Bears allowed their fewest points (19) since a win against the Patriots on Oct. 24, 2022 – and seven of the Vikings' points came off a fumble return for a touchdown. The Vikings posted just 220 total yards of offense.
The Bears' effort came as safety Eddie Jackson, top cornerback Jaylon Johnson and nickelback Kyler Gordon each returned to action after being sidelined by injuries.
The Bears will now face a Raiders offense that has struggled in averaging just 16.7 points per game, which ranks 28th in the NFL. Raiders starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (back) isn't expected to play, meaning veteran Brian Hoyer or rookie Aidan O'Connell will be under center.
3. No. 1 priority
In his first four games of the season, Raiders star receiver Davante Adams hauled in 33 receptions for 397 yards and three touchdowns. Over the last two contests, he has six receptions for 74 yards and no scores.
The Packers and Patriots largely took Adams out of the Raiders' attack on offense. Can the Bears do the same?
It's always important to have a strong game plan for an All-Pro player like Adams — and even more so given how the Raiders have struggled offensively.
The Bears have traditionally not had Johnson shadow opposing star receivers like Adams, but he hopes that changes Sunday.
"I want any and every big matchup I can get," Johnson said. "So, they know what I want and at the end of the day, it's not truthfully about what I want. I mean, if that's something that they feel is in the best interest of the team, in the best interest of the defense, I'm going to go out there and continue to do what I do and play at a high level no matter who is in front of me.
"I'm definitely looking forward to that matchup and if I can follow him around, it's even better."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
