General manager Ryan Poles spoke with Jeff Joniak Sunday on the Bears pregame radio show on ESPN 1000 AM and 100.3 HD2 FM.
With backup quarterback Tyson Bagent poised to make his first NFL start Sunday against the Raiders, Poles discussed the opportunity that lies ahead for the undrafted rookie.
"It's crazy, but the beautiful l think is the kid – his approach from day one has been really cool to see," Poles said. "Very mature, you can tell the kid has taken a lot of snaps in his career. But the poise that you see in him is incredible. You wouldn't know he's a rookie. You wouldn't know where he comes from with the level of play. We're all really interested to see how he handles the spotlight and starting his first NFL game."
Last week, Bagent stepped in during the third quarter when Justin Fields exited the game with a dislocated right thumb. Bagent orchestrated a touchdown drive, but the offense also had two turnovers late in the game.
Poles thought the rookie "did some good things, some things he learned from, some of those mistakes," but based on what he's seen since training camp, the Bears general manager is confident in Bagent's ability to lead the offense this week.
"The way he carries himself, his body language and the way he approaches [the game]," Poles said. "Even when he had opportunities to step in and play in the preseason or even in practice this week, his execution was on point. His timing was good. There was no hesitancy. There was no fear in his eyes and you love that about the guy. You want all of your guys to have that same mentality."
Listen to the full interview below.
