The Chicago Bears, known for their passionate fan base, find themselves in an all-too-familiar situation: a quarterback controversy. Tyson Bagent, a relative unknown to Bears fans until he filled in for the injured Justin Fields last week, led the team to victory against the Raiders. While Bagent put up respectable numbers in his first NFL start, the win was more a result of the Raiders’ struggles rather than the Bears’ quarterback prowess.

Chicago took advantage of the Raiders’ weak rush defense, scoring two of their three offensive touchdowns on the ground. The Raiders were also hampered by the absence of their starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, who was sidelined with a back injury and replaced by Brian Hoyer.

The performance by Bagent has raised questions among fans about Justin Fields’ ability. Comparisons were made between Bagent’s numbers and those of Fields over the past two years. However, it is important to consider the role of the organization in developing a successful quarterback. The Bears have a history of failing to live up to expectations when it comes to developing franchise quarterbacks.

The Bears used their top draft pick in 2021 to select Fields, hoping he would be the answer to their quarterback woes. However, like many highly-touted college quarterbacks before him, Fields has struggled to excel under the Bears’ offensive staff. The organization’s inability to develop quarterbacks has left fans wondering if Fields’ potential is being stifled.

One issue with the Bears’ offense is its lack of creativity and its tendency to try and fit every quarterback into the same mold. The team has not had a consistently successful offense since 2018, when they showcased innovative play-calling and trick plays. Since then, the team has struggled to find success and has gone through coaching changes.

The offensive line has also been a weak spot for the Bears, with no standout performers in recent years. This lack of protection and support further hampers the development of quarterbacks like Fields.

While Bagent’s performance may have sparked a quarterback debate, the real question for the Bears is why they continue to fail in developing top quarterback picks. Until the organization addresses their shortcomings and provides a conducive environment for quarterback success, their draft choices will continue to be meaningless.

Sources: None