The Las Vegas Raiders have a chance to move to 4-3 this weekend and into the playoff hunt in the AFC. They’ll travel to Chicago to take on the Bears in Week 7 as both teams will be without their starting quarterback.
To help us preview this game, we caught up with Alyssa Barbieri, the managing editor of Bears Wire to discuss all things Chicago Bears football.
What is the status of Justin Fields? And what do we need to know about his backup?
Fields is officially out for Sunday, which means undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent (out of Division II Shepherd) will make his first NFL start. Bagent worked his way up the depth chart during the preseason, where he outplayed veterans P.J. Walker and Nathan Peterman en route to the backup role.
Bagent fits the scheme that offensive coordinator Luke Getsy wants to run – predicated on staying in the pocket and getting the ball out quickly.
Bagent, who was coached by Getsy at the Senior Bowl, has been praised for his maturity, preparation and swagger. He insists he has a complete understanding of the playbook, and the offense shouldn’t be hindered with him in the lineup.
Who is one under-the-radar player we should keep an eye on in Week 7?
Running back D’Onta Foreman is coming off a solid outing against the Vikings, which marked the first time since Week 1 that he was active. Foreman had 15 carries for 65 yards (4.3 yards per carry).
With Khalil Herbert on injured reserve and rookie Roschon Johnson still in concussion protocol, the expectation is Foreman will get the workload once again this week. Foreman has proven in the past that he can step up, when called upon, and produce for a Chicago run game averaging 136.0 yards per game (7th in the NFL).
How has first-round pick Darnell Wright fared so far? And how do you feel about his matchup against Maxx Crosby?
Wright has been arguably the Bears’ best offensive lineman through the first six weeks, which speaks both to his production and just how bad this group is up front.
While he’s had his rookie moments – including giving up some sacks – he’s been playing at an impressive level all things considered. While it’s just been six games, Wright has shown enough flashes that he can be a franchise right tackle for Chicago.
With that said, he’s going to face a tough challenge against Crosby, who’s an absolute game-wrecker. But Wright has battled some top edge rushers this season, and this will be another huge test for the rookie.
The bigger question (as I write this Friday afternoon) is whether Wright suits up for the Bears. He’s nursing a shoulder injury that held him out of Thursday’s practice.
How are Bears fans feeling about this team after six weeks?
If you had asked me this question last week, I would’ve said optimistic – at least about the future with Justin Fields. Now, Fields’ future in Chicago appears to be nearing its end – as he’s sidelined for an unknown time frame and Ryan Poles might move on – and the focus has shifted to the 2024 offseason.
Although, if I’m being honest, that really happened after the Week 3 blowout to the Chiefs. It felt like Chicago’s season was over weeks ago. Only now, fans don’t have Fields’ development to focus on right now. At this point, it’s about the development of younger players on the roster and looking ahead to the 2024 season.
Who wins and why on Sunday?
This is a winnable game for the Bears, and I expect it to be ugly and competitive for the duration. The biggest cause for concern is Crosby, who’s proven to be a game wrecker and could pose serious issues for Chicago’s offensive line (which will have yet another new combination Sunday).
I fully expect this to be a close game. While I’d love for Bagent to lead Chicago to victory in his first start – in a battle of backup quarterbacks – it ultimately comes down to the fact that the Raiders are just better than the Bears right now.
Raiders 24, Bears 20
