Even though the Hall of Fame Game between the Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans ended early due to weather, there were still plenty of fireworks before the storm came in. Even without star quarterbacks C.J Stround and Caleb Williams not playing in the matchup, surprisingly enough.
Largely due to quarterback Brett Rypien, the Bears defeated the Texans 21-17. The game was called due to lightning with a little over three minutes in the third quarter remaining, but Rypien showed a lot of Bears fans he could be a capable backup signal caller in his own right.
“Brett Rypien throwing some absolute darts out there,” remarked local Bears reporter Ryan Droste via X, formerly Twitter.
Currently locked in a battle for the number two quarterback with incumbent Tyson Bagent, Rypien played the majority of the game for Chicago. He threw for all three touchdowns the Bears scored on the night, including two to wide receiver Collin Johnson. His performance has many Bears fans and pundits wondering if Rypien has now taken over the lead in his competition with Bagent.
Rypien and Bagent locked in matchup to backup Caleb Williams
Let's quickly address this: Williams, the number one overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, did not play at all. Bagent, who was the number two last season, started the game. He threw three passes in his lone series of action, completing two of them for 16 yards. Then he was finished for the night, while Rypien played almost the rest of the game.
That is not to say that the former Boise State star's stats weren't impressive: 11 of 15 for 166 yards and three touchdowns is a solid night at the office for an NFL quarterback. Even against a defense of mostly second and third-stringers. His quarterback rating of 148.9 wasn't too shabby, either. Yet, it is fair to say that the backup quarterback competition isn't close to being done yet. With at least two more preseason games, if not three, to prove who deserves the job, either Rypien or Bagent could stake claim to it as the process currently stands.
Hopefully, Williams makes the backup Bears QB race inconsequential
One of the most talented quarterback prospects to come out in quite some time, Williams is really the poster child for the NIL movement that has taken over college sports today. He knows what it takes to be a star, and he was paid like one during his time at USC as well. So, the expectations that come with being the savior of a franchise shouldn't be too much of a burden. After all, he was treated as the head of the franchise during his time with the Trojans.
Furthermore, GM Ryan Poles brought in a few more weapons for Williams to utilize. Wide receiver Rome Odunze was drafted ninth overall in this year's draft. Veteran Keenan Allen was brought in via trade from the Los Angeles Chargers, while top wideout DJ Moore just signed a contract extension. The three receivers, combined with rising tight end Cole Kmet, should form a potentially dominant attack for the Bears under new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
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