The story of Sunday Night Football was not the Los Angeles Chargers cruising to their third win of the 2023 season.
It was about the Chicago Bears quarterback situation — one Cris Collinsworth repeatedly played up as a “controversy.” Sunday evening saw rookie Tyson Bagent make his second career NFL start. Predictably, with tape available, Bagent sputtered as the Chargers didn’t let the former Division II player beat them. At the same time, an injured Justin Fields was on the Bears’ sideline (while weirdly wearing sunglasses) watching Bagent try and fail to overcome the L.A. defense.
After the game, former Bears star Khalil Mack — now a vital member of the Chargers’ defense — shared a fair and honest assessment of Chicago’s quarterbacks.
While he politely said Bagent would be “special,” Mack also expressed appreciation that he nor his teammates had to face the electric Fields and all the game-breaking opportunities he presents. It’s hard to disagree with the perennial Pro Bowl defender:
Khalil Mack on Bears QB Tyson Bagent: "You could tell the clock in his head was running today. He was getting the ball out pretty quick. He did some good things for them down the stretch. I know he's going to be a special player, but I'm glad No. 1 wasn't out there tonight."
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) October 30, 2023
Mack’s assessment of Bagent is, frankly, a little anodyne.
Players will rarely not compliment someone they just played against. I don’t have enough fingers to count the number of times I’ve seen a professional athlete throw out entirely empty praise. What is far more notable is Mack expressing his evident fear and respect of Fields, one of the NFL’s finest big-play machines. In his absence, it’s obvious the Bears have missed that extra little something Fields brings to the table.
If stalwart defenders like Mack have noticed, then it’s worth wondering whether Bears brass should give Fields more time to prove himself when he’s finally healthy again.
This was how Twitter reacted
It's like the difference between a Hyundai and a Lamborghini… https://t.co/PSZ2a7EUen
— Nomad (@NomadNetworking) October 30, 2023
Fields is way more respected by opposing players than fans and the media. I’m not saying one is right or wrong, it’s just fascinating. https://t.co/0cqDNQjTMQ
— Micah Grove (@micah10193) October 30, 2023
— Laurence Holmes (@LaurenceWHolmes) October 30, 2023
Khalil Mack is a teammate. He’s also the guy who took it upon himself to organize Chargers team dinners. https://t.co/ayiiVIWAH4 https://t.co/Uw12kpgHHw
— Leila Rahimi (@leilarahimi) October 30, 2023
"But I'm glad number 1 wasn't out there tonight"#DaBears https://t.co/I7ijSAIb05
— Mason West (@WestSportsPT) October 30, 2023
A premier pass rusher in the league saying he’s glad QB1 wasn’t out there speaks volumes https://t.co/Exj34yaH7T
— MF Bic Mitchum (@Fabeezy_4) October 30, 2023
Khalil Mack, my captain 🫡 https://t.co/uUsJugVTl5 pic.twitter.com/Ou8AT91TM4
— ryan maye (@ryanolsonn) October 30, 2023
The players know. The fans don’t want to listen. https://t.co/lau76bMTs7
— Jacob!!! (@AgKnowny) October 30, 2023
Didn’t hear him actually say this but I can hear it in my head. Sad he’s not a Bear anymore https://t.co/0b8kpnl929
— Lucas Perfetti (@LucasPerfetti46) October 30, 2023
a statement that unintentionally provides brutal trolling for almost every person on Bears Twitter https://t.co/098R214SfT
— The Mall Krampus (@cakotz) October 30, 2023
Miss you https://t.co/nKHUS25l0N pic.twitter.com/4xXgJgJAY6
— Connor Bedard is a Hawk (Drew) (@LukasReichelSzn) October 30, 2023
Players recognize game. Multiple players know Fields is THAT guy. Our coaching staff and leadership don’t. That’s the issue.
— Josh (@imjoshphoto) October 30, 2023
