All eyes are on the Chicago Bears entering the upcoming NFL campaign. Intrigue (or malice) surrounding second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, new head coach Ben Johnson, and their overhaul of the trenches is high. Backup thrower Tyson Bagent has also generated buzz this offseason, though that could be by design, at least according to FOX Sports' Mark Sanchez.
Sanchez, who was the Bears' third-string signal-caller in 2017 but didn't attempt a regular-season pass, recently appeared on The Rich Eisen Show. He spoke about the presumed culture shock of replacing Chicago's previous coaching staff with Johnson, a significantly more meticulous leader. With that in mind, the passer-turned-analyst suggested the Bagent hype might be part of an elaborate mind game to rile up Williams.
Former Bears QB Mark Sanchez suggests Ben Johnson is waging psychological warfare with Caleb Williams
"I really think Ben [Johnson] is going to push him in the right way to get him to perform," Sanchez said. "And that's part of it. As a coach, you're part psychologist, not just a teacher. You've got to understand how to connect with these guys ... 'how can I get [Williams] to get a little angry without getting reckless? ... How do I get this guy to get juiced up? ... Do I have to love up Tyson Bagent so he gets a little jealous?'"
As a retired player with a decade of experience, Sanchez's comments shouldn't be overlooked, even if he's merely hypothesizing. Especially since he was in Williams' shoes as a high-end first-round quarterback who faced massive pressure instantly, and in North America's largest sports market, too! Few are as qualified to speak on the situation in Chicago as "The Sanchize," but we also shouldn't take his word as gospel.
Mark Sanchez may be onto something about Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams, but not so fast
Sure, Johnson may be trying to get under Williams' skin and see what happens. However, let's not discredit Bagent, who's been a fan and front office favorite since landing with Chicago as an undrafted free agent rookie in 2023. Actions speak louder than words, and the Bears expressed immense belief in their No. 2 gunslinger with a contract extension this month.
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Bagent and the Bears agreed on a two-year, $10 million deal, and the pact can reach $16 million with playing time incentives. They're committed to the 25-year-old and former Division II star, putting their money where their mouth is. So, it's not like Johnson is blowing smoke when raving about his professionalism and football IQ.