By: Jimmie Sykes
The Chicago Bears, led by undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent, celebrated their first home victory since September 2022 against the Las Vegas Raiders, securing a 30-12 win and bringing an end to their 10-game drought at Soldier Field.
Bagent completed 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards and one passing touchdown. The highlight of his first start of a 15-play, 88-yard drive, ending with his first career passing touchdown to D’Onta Foreman.
DJ Moore finished the contest with eight receptions for 54 yards. After Week 7, Moore's season totals reached 40 catches for 630 yards and five touchdowns, which is on pace his previous career records.
Tyson Bagent, who had previously expressed his “nothing to lose” approach to the media, lived up to his attitude after a week of solid preparation.
Quarterback Tyson Bagent takes to the podium following the Bears win at home.
"I feel like I played a million games at quarterback. I was able to win the job in high school my sophomore year, and then I started every game through my senior year of college. So that's seven years of starting, understanding what the week of preparation looks like, and going through pretty much every concept and run concept that there is," said Bagent.
D’Onta Foreman, who had mainly served as a healthy scratch for most of the season, made a remarkable impact by finding the end zone three times. He led the Bears' ground game which totaled 173 yards, adding 89 yards on 16 carries, along with two rushing touchdowns, and 31 yards receiving with a touchdown.
Head Coach Matt Eberflus commended the Bears' fans and credited Justin Fields for supporting Bagent's preparation for his first career start.
Head Coach Matt Eberflus takes to the podium following the Bears win at home.
“The defense felt that out there and also really the offense appreciated the fans as well, being real supportive of our young quarterback and the efforts he made out there,” said Coach Eberflus.
The Bears' defense continued its impressive performance by forcing three turnovers, with cornerback Jaylon Johnson accounting for two of them late in the fourth quarter. Tremaine Edmunds also tallied an interception, his second in as many weeks.
The Raiders offense struggled to gain momentum, aside from successful connections with Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. Brian Hoyer started the game but finished with a 17-of-32 performance, totaling 129 yards and two interceptions before being replaced by Aidan O’Connell late in the contest.
Although Justin Fields was announced to miss multiple games, he won't be placed on the injured reserve list. With Fields doubtful for the Sunday Night showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers, Bagent is set to shine under the primetime spotlight. Notably, the rookie secured the first victory by a Division II quarterback in the NFL since Jon Kitna with the Cowboys in 2010.
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