Bear Digest

Ex-Bears' QB suggests bigger threat to Caleb Williams than Micah Parsons

NFL analyst Mark Sanchez says Bears' head coach Ben Johnson is attempting to make Caleb Williams "jealous" of Tyson Bagent
Richie Whitt|
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) fumbles a handoff against the Chiefs.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) fumbles a handoff against the Chiefs. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

In this story:

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears now have to face ferocious pass-rusher Micah Parsons twice a year. But a former NFL quarterback-turned-analyst says the thing Caleb Williams should fear most is ...

Tyson Bagent?

MORE: Bears' Ben Johnson driving Caleb Williams to 'road rage'

Despite Parsons' blockbuster trade from the Dallas Cowboys to the Bears' rival Green Bay Packers, FOX's Mark Sanchez says Williams should be careful of his backup quarterback. Or, more precisely, head coach Ben Johnson's motivational style to employ pressure from Bagent.

While Johnson has been hard on Williams all preseason in installing his complex offense, the Bears have been busy showering Bagent with praise and a new contract.

"I really think Ben [Johnson] is going to push him in the right way to get him to perform," Sanchez said during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. "And that's part of it. As a coach, you're part psychologist, not just a teacher. You've got to understand how to connect with these guys ... 'how can I get [Williams] to get a little angry without getting reckless? ... How do I get this guy to get juiced up? ... Do I have to love up Tyson Bagent so he gets a little jealous?'"

MORE: Bears insider suggest Caleb Williams could be benched with slow start

Sanchez was the Bears' third-string quarterback in 2017. And he's not alone in his stance, as The Athletic this week also reported that Bagent was breathing down Caleb's neck for the starting job.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) and quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) enter the field before the game against the G
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) and quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) enter the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers in 2024 | Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

More Chicago Bears News

Published
Richie Whitt
RICHIE WHITT

Richie Whitt has been a sports media fixture in Dallas-Fort Worth since graduating from UT-Arlington in 1986. His career is highlighted by successful stints in print (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), TV (NBC5) and radio (105.3 The Fan). During his almost 40-year tenure, he's blabbed and blogged on events ranging from Super Bowls to NBA Finals to World Series to Stanley Cups to Olympics to Wimbledons to World Cups. Whitt has been covering the NFL since 1989, and in 1993 authored The 'Boys Are Back, a book chronicling the Dallas Cowboys' run to Super Bowl XXVII.

Share on XFollow richiewhitt
Home/News