Great Scott, Tyler!

Per Bears HC Matt Eberflus, there are no starters playing in this Thursday's Hall of Fame game. I think all Bears fans just let out a collective sigh. I know we're all on pins and needles to see Caleb Williams throw a pass to Rome Odunze for a (conservatively) 95 yard touchdown, but, we'll have to wait. Eberflus declined to comment on whether or not starters will play against the Bills for preseason game number two. He stated that a decision would be made "week to week". This shouldn't be too shocking considering guard Nate Davis was injured in practice. I can't imagine the coaching staff is thrilled at the prospect of starters injuring themselves in the Hall of Fame game. The upside to this announcement is that we'll get a good look at lesser known players that I believe will make an impact this year.

Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron was quoted on Monday "He’s done an excellent job of really owning the system, knowing formations, you know everything that goes into the base offense so that he’s able to play fast and you’re starting to see some of the game speed showing up and some of these reps he’s had the last couple days - especially showing up in a two minute drive on a big play the other day – so he’s doing a great job – everything [right now] is that short sighted focus of getting better everyday in training camp". The player Waldron was referencing is wide receiver Tyler Scott.

Tyler Scott is a second year wide receiver for the Bears, and is currently on the second team behind Keenan Allen and DJ Moore. He's a 22 year old kid from Norton OH who turned down offers from the likes of Nebraska and Michigan State to play for the University of Cincinnati. He was drafted in the 4th round (133rd overall) and has been causing quite a stir at Halas Hall. On day two of camp during 7 on 7 drills Caleb Williams aired it out to Scott who made the catch despite cornerback Kyler Gordon right behind him. According to Bear Report's Zack Pearson who was at camp, the play would have gone for "25 or 30 yards". Day six of practice would see this prediction realized when Williams threw to Scott for a 35 yard touchdown, on the first day of full pads. Great Scott, Scott! Last year however, it was admittedly "average" Scott.

Not everyone's rookie year can be glamorous, especially when you're a 4th rounder drafted to a team with a, well, less than competent OC. In 2023 Tyler Scott had just 17 receptions for 168 yards and unfortunately, no touchdowns. Considering how our offense performed last year, I'm shocked a ball even went in the air towards Scott. Luckily for Tyler he has Shane Waldron coaching him this year and he's under the mentorship of Keenan Allen and DJ Moore. Velus Jones JR didn't work out the way GM Ryan Poles thought he would but I think Tyler Scott will these next couple years. Other teams in the league are preparing for serious threats with Moore and Allen but I think Scott has shown he can be a reliable contributor and one day, a threat.

I'm predicting a touchdown play by Scott from backup QB Tyson Bagent this Thursday. Most teams would utilize Scott for short drives on a first down gain but I think we see him in 2nd/3rd down TD scenarios as a serious route runner. Hey, I wasn't wrong when I predicted that Caleb Williams would have less than 14.5 snaps this Thursday...

Tyler Scott pictured below after a win during the 2023 season. Credit to 247 Sports for the photo.