Chargers News: Bears Teammate Hails Justin Fields Backup As "Next Brock Purdy" Prior To LA Game

Your Los Angeles Chargers' borderline must-win Sunday Night Football outing won't feature the Chicago Bears' starting quarterback of the past couple of seasons, Justin Fields.

It'll actually feature undrafted former Division II rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent.

Bagent is a unique player, as he was one of the best D2 quarterbacks in the history of the sport, but the difference in competition level led to a number of questions about him as a prospect that still haven't fully been answered.

In his first start last week, Bagent led a 30-12 victory over the 3-3 (now 3-4) Raiders, completing 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown.

Interestingly, it seems as if the Bears have had tremendous internal confidence in Bagent from the jump. Joseph Zucker of Bleacher Report, citing Adam Schefter, writes: "one Bears player labeled Bagent "the next Brock Purdy" in training camp."

Can Bagent become the next Purdy?

Short answer: probably not. The 49ers have far better weapons, a better offensive line, and one of the best systems in the NFL for QB success.

Chicago, on the other hand, is mid-rebuild and marred with dysfunction starting with head coach Matt Eberflus and trickling down to former players like Chase Claypool, who refused to play mid-season.

Bagent has some talent, and putting it on display on Sunday Night Football in just his second start would be a great way for his Purdy-esque arc to continue. But the odds that he's able to create a similar run with far less going his way are very low.

Don't forget to join our community at LA Sports Report, where we celebrate all things Chargers!

Add us as a preferred source on Google