Bears QB Tyson Bagent Looking to Capitalize on More Shots Downfield

Like every quarterback in the NFL, Tyson Bagent would like to have some plays back from the Bears' 23-12 win over the Jets. 

His interception over the middle of the field while trying to target tight end Colston Loveland in the second quarter likely comes to mind. Bagent said after the game that it was "100% unacceptable" on his end and that he has to put the ball "out in front" so that safety Minkah Fitzpatrick doesn't create that takeaway. 

There were also some downfield throws that head coach Ben Johnson would like to see his quarterback take when the opportunities are there. 

"Yeah, I think I was more referring to, there's probably a couple plays last week where I thought our second-level throws were available to us and we didn't pull the trigger on them," Johnson said. "And that's just one of those things, we just need to see it. It would be encouraging from the coaching staff to him, just you get the green light, man, you got to have a lot of confidence in how our pass catchers are playing right now. I thought they did a nice job going up for the ball when given the opportunity last week, and so we're going to need more of that again this week."

Bagent acknowledged during his Wednesday press conference that there were a "handful" of throws that he wish he had taken shot downfield. 

"When the moments present themselves I obviously have got to take it," Bagent said. "I was a little quick to get down to the checkdown but that can't be the case going forward. I've got to be better in that stance, especially going into this week."

Bagent will start against the Green Bay Packers in Week 5 at Lambeau Field. Green Bay's defense has allowed 13 passing plays of 20 yards or more this season, tied for the 10th-most in the NFL, according to radar360. 

Bagent finished 25 of 34 for 268 yards and the interception. He also five total explosive passing plays (20 or more yards) to wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. So, it wasn't Bagent simply avoiding downfield throws. There were just more opportunities in last Sunday's game against the Jets. 

The 26-year-old quarterback highlighted a second-and-4 play in the third quarter during Wednesday's media availability. Bagent lined up in the shotgun and had Burden in the slot to his left. The Bears' wide receiver ran a deep inbreaking route and was open in the middle of the field on Chicago's logo. Bagent checked the ball down to tight end Cole Kmet for a 6-yard gain, and the Jets committed a face mask penalty for an additional 15 yards. 

If Bagent connected with Burden, who had plenty of space, it easily could have resulted in a touchdown. The Bears did score on that drive, thanks to a Kyle Monangai 5-yard rushing touchdown. 

Bagent said that play "really sticks out egregiously," but Johnson and the rest of Chicago's offensive staff have given him the green light to take those deep shots -- a show of trust the Bears' quarterback welcomes. 

"Oh yeah I mean 100%," Bagent said. "I mean I think that he falls into the category of people I felt rallied behind me. He said he's giving me the keys and you know I appreciate that and look to be better going forward."