Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent delivered a career-best performance Sunday afternoon, guiding Chicago to a 23-12 victory over the New York Jets at Soldier Field. The Martinsburg, West Virginia, native completed 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards, posting a 73.5 passer rating—the highest of his five career starts—while throwing one interception.
The win held special significance for Bagent, who was serenaded by the stadium playing "Country Roads," a song closely tied to his West Virginia roots, after the game. Reflecting on the moment, Bagent described it as “extremely humbling” and expressed gratitude toward those who supported him throughout his journey.
Bagent acknowledged the personal meaning of the matchup, noting his longtime fandom of West Virginia and respect for Jets starter Geno Smith, a fellow Mountaineers alumnus. The game coincided with a milestone weekend for Bagent’s family, including his father’s 50th birthday.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Bagent for earning the backup quarterback role, particularly following an injury to starter Caleb Williams, who missed his second consecutive game due to a strained right hamstring. Johnson noted Bagent’s efficient play despite the interception, calling it “a great job with the operation.”
Chicago’s offense dominated possession, controlling the ball for 42 minutes, 45 seconds compared to New York’s 17 minutes, 15 seconds. The Bears outgained the Jets 492 yards to 157. Bagent made several key plays, including a 37-yard completion to Rome Odunze on a critical third-and-5 in the second quarter, which set up a field goal. He later connected with Odunze again on a 20-yard catch in the third quarter and found Colston Loveland on third-and-5 in the fourth, helping seal the win.
Despite these highlights, Bagent faced challenges. Three potential interceptions were negated by Jets penalties, while safety Minkah Fitzpatrick ended New York’s pass interception drought by intercepting Bagent on a deep crossing route in the second quarter. Bagent took full responsibility for the turnover and emphasized the need to reduce mistakes going forward.
Bagent’s NFL career has been marked by ups and downs. After going undrafted out of Shepherd University, he earned the Bears’ backup role during the 2023 training camp, edging out veteran Case Keenum. He has started five games but has mostly seen limited action since. Just last week, speculation surrounded which quarterback would start in Williams’s absence, especially after Keenum’s strong showing in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In a notable move, Bears coach Johnson opened the game by sending Keenum and Bagent onto the field simultaneously—Keenum taking the snap and handing off on the first play, a symbolic gesture described humorously in the postgame press conference. Keenum informed Bagent before the start of the week that he would be the starter and expressed support and goodwill for his teammate.
Bagent now joins Williams and Keenum as Bears quarterbacks with at least one win this season, marking a rare achievement for the franchise not seen since at least 1950. Surrounded by friends and family in the stands, Bagent credited their support as a key factor in his journey. “I’m only here because of those that have been around me my whole life and those who are around me today,” he said, smiling.