The Chicago Bears will look to win back-to-back games for the first time since 2021 when they travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers this weekend on Sunday Night Football.
While all the attention is currently on undrafted rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent for his impressive start and win against the Los Vegas Raiders, another rookie has been quietly carving out a growing role for himself recently. Rookie Tyler Scott has gotten more playing time in recent weeks and could soon be on the verge of a breakout game, giving Chicago something they haven’t had in years.
Scott could become a reliable and credible threat over the next few games
Scott was selected in the fourth round of the NFL draft last April as the Bears tried to surround quarterback Justin Fields with as many offensive weapons as possible. Coming from Cincinnati, much excitement surrounded the rookie wide receiver because of his excellent speed, crisp route running and reliable catching ability. Many Bears analysts and fans believed that Scott could be one of the best sleepers in the draft and be productive right after the season.
Although expectations were high early in the season, Scott failed to deliver, catching just three passes for 20 yards in Chicago’s first five games. Moreover, the rookie had only five goals in the first five games of the Bears and none against the Broncos or Commanders. Despite the lack of early production, Scott has seen more carries and catches in Chicago’s last two games than in the five games before that combined.
Scott’s emergence over the past two weeks could be tied to Bagent’s quarterback in the second half of the Vikings game a week and a half ago. Both rookie catches against Minnesota came from another rookie quarterback. Bagent also targeted Scott for a deep pass downfield that led to a pass interference call by the Vikings defense that led to a 36-yard gain. The bond between the two rookies can be attributed to the chemistry they built working together in the preseason and training camp.
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Against the Raiders, Scott was targeted twice and caught two passes for 19 yards, including a clutch 13-yard reception on third down. The rookie’s growing presence is especially necessary given the Bears’ offensive situation with Bagend at quarterback. With opposing defenses focusing on Chicago’s best wide receivers in DJ Moore and Darnell Mooney constantly fighting to the end, the team needs a third pass rusher to emerge, especially with a natural back.
Former Bears receiver Chase Claypool was supposed to secure the third wide receiver position and give the offense one of the best receiver groups in the league with Mooney and Moore, but unfortunately it failed massively due to his own actions. While the Bears’ passing attack has been productive without Claypool, they still need a reliable pass catcher to exploit the defense that Chicago paid for as a starter.
A reliable threat at third wide receiver will make the Bears’ passing attack that much more difficult to defend. For example, since the Chargers defense will likely focus primarily on stopping Moore and Bagent from targeting pass catchers on short routes, Scott could be used as a deep threat and covered by Chicago’s best wide receiver. In addition, the rookie receiver can be a reliable target in later games if the other rookie stays at quarterback, allowing the Bears’ passing attack to remain productive.
Chicago hasn’t had a reliable third-down receiver since 2020
If Scott can continue to be productive and grow in the Bears’ passing offense in the coming weeks, his development could be similar to Mooney’s 2020 rookie season. In 2020, the then-rookie wide receiver set the franchise record for most receptions and receptions. receptions receiving yards from a first-year player. Mooney has been consistently productive despite limited training camp and no preseason games due to COVID restrictions.
Mooney began his rookie season as Chicago’s third receiver behind Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller. The rookie has been consistently productive early this year, with 13 receptions for 145 and a touchdown in the Bears’ first four games of 2020. Through those first four games, Chicago’s offense has committed ten turnovers and consistently moved the ball deep. and talent at the wide receiver position.
Before and after 2020, Chicago struggled desperately for quality and productive depth at third wide receiver, as only the 2018 team from 2016-22 consistently had three receivers on the roster for an entire season. Mooney’s ability to be a reliable rookie allowed the Bruins to make a playoff push in late December this season, as he caught two touchdowns and over 50 yards in Chicago’s final four games of 2020.
Scott likely won’t put up the same numbers Mooney did in his rookie season, but that doesn’t mean the 2023 rookie can’t add value to Chicago later this season. If he can be a part of the Bears’ offense, with Moore likely still at a Pro Bowl level, Chicago’s offense will continue to thrive and be consistent, especially with Bagent at quarterback and locked down to just one primary pass rusher. Scott has made people take notice over the past two games, and his destiny could be permanently set in the Bears’ offense Sunday night against the Chargers.
