Chicago Bears: Cody Parkey solidifies kicking game
While many talked about other priorities to improve the team, the Chicago Bears solidified their kicking game by signing Cody Parkey.
The Chicago Bears realize how much they need to improve. While many fans and experts drilled the idea that they needed to get receivers or offensive linemen or pass rushers 24/7, general manager Ryan Pace knew he had to also improve his kicking game.
The Bears lost a few games over the past three seasons over missed kicks. The offense, a porous one, worked hard to come back in those games only to see a missed kick prevent the team from winning.
The team cut Connor Barth after a missed field goal cost a game. They tried Cairo Santos, but his head still wasn’t clear. They then went to Mike Nugent, but he wasn’t someone who wowed anyone. Now, the Bears have a good, young kicker in 26-year old Cody Parkey.
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In 2014, Parkey broke the NFL’s rookie scoring record (ironically set by the Bears’ Kevin Butler in 1985) with 150 points. He made 32-of-36 field goals, including 4-of-4 from 50 yards. However, a groin injury cost him the 2015 season.
He signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2016 but went 20-of-25. He did recover his confidence, though, and signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2017. For Miami, he went 21-of-23 for an anemic Dolphins offense. Now he’ll get his chance to make big kicks for the Bears.
The Bears had four games decided by three points or less. They went 1-3 in those games. Additionally, they own a 5-10 record in those games over Pace’s tenure the last three seasons. He hopes to change that with the Parkey signing.
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The Bears under new coach Matt Nagy hope to have a high-powered offense. They want to move down the field quickly and get deep in the opponents’ territory. They won’t always score touchdowns so having a dependable kicker to make big field goals is critical for them to become a contender. Hopefully, the Bears answered their question at kicker.