Justin Fields knew Tyson Bagent would create a QB controversy

Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields is a smart guy, and he’s used to being in the spotlight. His every move has been under the microscope since his status as the QB1 began in high school. So, yeah, he knows a thing or two about the backup being the most popular guy on the team … among the fans.

“That’s the world we live in nowadays,” Fields said on Wednesday. “Everybody wants to cause a stir, cause media attention — boom, boom, boom, comments, stories. So that’s just what comes with it. But I knew that was going to happen from the get-go. So, it came to me as no surprise.”

It shouldn’t have surprised Fields, to be honest. Bagent was solid if not spectacular for an undrafted rookie from Division II. He led the Bears to a 2-2 record as a starter. Fields, meanwhile, went 1-4 (excluding the Vikings game that he exited in the third quarter because of injury. The Bears lost that one too, but we won’t count it in his “L” column.)

Bears fans are craving wins. Sure, they’re also starving for an elite quarterback who commands respect from all corners of the NFL and is considered one of the best in the game, but wins would be great for now.

Chicago’s only had six of them in the last 24 games.

So, yeah, Bagent sparked some watercooler conversation by winning two games and looking good along the way.

Bagent completed nearly 66% of his passes for 859 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions in four starts (five appearances) while Fields rehabbed his dislocated right thumb.

Now, Justin Fields can take hold of the Bears quarterback narrative with seven strong games to close the 2023 season. Coach Matt Eberflus said he wants to see consistency from the former 2021 first-round pick. Otherwise, there’s a good chance Chicago could dip back into the first round for his replacement next April.

“Just go out there and win games. I’m not here to prove anything to anybody,” Fields said of his goals for the rest of this season. “I’m playing for my teammates, playing for the coaches, and that’s it. Everything else will take care of itself.”

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