Chicago Bears: 5 Key players for a successful 2019 season

The kicker, whoever he is

Okay, so it seems like this is stating the obvious, but it still rings true. The Chicago Bears need desperately to have a good season come from the kicker. With the tougher schedule, there should be a number of close games and a made field goal could make the difference in playoff positioning. It cost the Bears a first-round bye last season, and, of course, it ended a magical season.

The Bears brought in a small village of kickers to try to manufacture a big competition. General manager Ryan Pace felt that competition would bring out the best in the kickers, add to their confidence, and carry over to the season. In addition, they hired Jamie Kohl, a kicking consultant.

The competition didn’t start the way the team envisioned, though. The eight kickers on the roster each attempted a 43-yard field goal. That was where Parkey had the double doink that will live in Chicago Bears infamy. Of the eight attempts, six of them missed. That really hurt.

As a result of that fail, the Bears cut six of the kickers and kept only Elliott Fry and Chris Blewitt. They then went out and traded a seventh-round pick to the Oakland Raiders for Eddy Pineiro. Now the competition is among three kickers. To add to the pressure, none of the kickers have any NFL experience. No matter who they pick, there is still an unknown going into the season.

That is unless they find a way to bring Robbie Gould back. At the moment, there is little chance that happens. However, if the kicking competition doesn’t raise the hopes of the team, something may happen. Gould wants to end his career at home in Chicago. The fans certainly want him back.

For now, we need to look at the three kickers who are on the roster. Of the three, I think Pineiro has the strongest leg. He once hit an 81-yard field goal attempt at the University of Florida practice. Yes, it’s only practice, but a booming leg like that helps in getting touchbacks as well.

Remember how the Patriots got one of their scores. It was a short kick that allowed Patterson to get a good start and make it to the end zone. I believe Pineiro can be more accurate and get touchbacks at a higher rate. Also, Pineiro worked with Kohl at the 2018 NFL Combine, so both of them are familiar with each other.

Whoever ends up getting the job needs to be dependable to help the Bears win games and make a long run in the playoffs. We don’t want to see a repeat of last season.