NFL roundup: Tyson Bagent orchestrates stunning Bears comeback to defeat Chiefs 29-27 in preseason thriller
Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent delivered a masterclass performance in clutch situations, throwing the game-winning touchdown pass with just three seconds remaining to complete a remarkable 29-27 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night. The dramatic comeback occurred merely two days after Bagent secured his future with a lucrative two-year, $10 million contract extension.
The undrafted free agent, who joined the Bears organization in 2023, has spent his professional career serving as a backup to established quarterbacks. Initially supporting Justin Fields during his rookie campaign, Bagent transitioned to a reserve role behind 2024's first overall draft selection Caleb Williams throughout the previous season.
Williams opened Friday's contest with an impressive display of his own abilities, completing 11 of 15 attempts for 113 yards and one touchdown before making way for his backup. However, when Bagent entered the game midway through the third quarter with Chicago trailing 27-10, he transformed what appeared to be a comfortable Chiefs victory into an unforgettable comeback story.
Bagent's statistical performance told the story of a quarterback who refused to accept defeat. The backup signal-caller completed 20 of 28 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns, with all of his scoring throws occurring during a frantic fourth-quarter rally that showcased his poise under pressure.
The game-winning drive epitomized Bagent's determination and tactical awareness. Leading a methodical 10-play, 87-yard march down the field, he found undrafted rookie wide receiver Jahdae Walker in the end zone from six yards out to secure the victory and improve Chicago's preseason record to 2-0-1.
Bagent initiated the Bears' fourth-quarter offensive explosion with a two-yard scoring pass to running back Royce Freeman just two minutes into the final period. Although the extra-point attempt was blocked, reducing the deficit to 27-16, the momentum had clearly shifted in Chicago's favor.
The quarterback continued his assault on the Chiefs' defense with a three-yard touchdown strike to tight end Joel Wilson, bringing the Bears within five points at 27-22. A failed two-point conversion attempt meant Chicago required another touchdown to claim victory, setting the stage for Bagent's heroic final drive.
Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes demonstrated why he remains one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks during his limited preseason appearance. The Chiefs' superstar guided his team to 17 points across three drives, highlighted by a four-yard touchdown connection with Rashee Rice on the opening play of the second quarter that extended Kansas City's advantage to 17-0.
Mahomes concluded his evening with impressive efficiency statistics, completing eight of 13 passing attempts for 143 yards and one touchdown while adding 18 rushing yards on a single carry. His performance suggested he is fully prepared for the upcoming regular season campaign.
Star tight end Travis Kelce contributed two receptions for 32 yards during his appearance, while running back Isiah Pacheco opened the scoring with a two-yard rushing touchdown on the game's initial drive before adding 21 yards on three total carries.
In Nashville, the Tennessee Titans secured a 23-13 victory over the Minnesota Vikings behind another solid performance from rookie quarterback Cam Ward. The first overall draft pick started his final preseason contest and guided Tennessee to a touchdown during his second and concluding drive of the evening.
Ward's efficiency remained impressive despite limited action, completing three of four passing attempts for 36 yards. His brief but effective performance reinforced expectations that he will assume starting duties when Tennessee faces Denver on September 7th, particularly with Will Levis sidelined for the entire season due to a shoulder injury.
The former Miami standout, who finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting during his lone collegiate season in 2024, appears ready to make an immediate impact at the professional level. Tennessee improved to 2-1 in preseason action following Ward's leadership in the victory.
Minnesota's designated Week 1 starter J.J. McCarthy did not participate in the contest, while rookie quarterback Max Brosmer continued his strong preseason showing with 161 passing yards and one touchdown for the Vikings, who fell to 1-2 in exhibition play.
The Philadelphia Eagles concluded their preseason schedule with a 19-17 triumph over the New York Jets in East Rutherford. Undrafted rookie running back Montrell Johnson Jr. provided the decisive scoring punch with 57 rushing yards and Philadelphia's only touchdown of the evening.
Johnson, who joined the Eagles as an undrafted free agent from Florida, scored on a 15-yard rushing attempt with 8:04 remaining in the third quarter. His touchdown extended Philadelphia's advantage to 13-3 after both teams exchanged field goals throughout a conservative first half.
Rookie quarterback Kyle McCord, selected in the sixth round from Syracuse, handled the entire game for Philadelphia and finished 15-for-35 with 136 passing yards and one interception. The Eagles improved to 2-1 in preseason action with the narrow victory.
Meanwhile, in Arlington, the Dallas Cowboys dominated the Atlanta Falcons 31-13 behind an outstanding performance from quarterback Joe Milton III. The signal-caller used his final preseason opportunity to strengthen his case for securing the backup quarterback position, accounting for 165 total yards and two touchdowns.
Milton showcased the powerful arm that has impressed coaches throughout the preseason, opening the scoring with a one-yard rushing touchdown after Atlanta missed an early field goal attempt. Rookie fifth-round selection Jaydon Blue extended Dallas's lead to 14-0 with another one-yard scoring run.
The quarterback added a spectacular 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jalen Brooks in the third quarter to effectively seal the victory. Milton, acquired from the New England Patriots in April, completed 10 of 18 passing attempts for 132 yards while contributing 33 rushing yards on four carries.
SportsLigue