Chicago Bears 2022 season in review: Grading the special teams

Punter

One of the first clues we received that the new Chicago Bears general manager was different came when he made the decision to part ways with Pat O’Donnell.

Poles allowed O’Donnell, who was the Bears’ punter for eight seasons. That brought out a lot of critics, saying that Poles just opened up an unnecessary hole. There were plenty of holes on the roster without having to create a new one.

Well, with one of his 11 draft picks Poles acquired Trenton Gill. Another shaky decision, according to many. He allows a veteran who was doing a good job and drafts an unknown rookie? What was this Poles guy thinking?

It wasn’t a bad move as it turned out. Last season, O’Donnell averaged 46.2 yards per punt. Gill’s average this season was 46 yards. Not much of a dropoff, considering he was a rookie.

O’Donnell signed with the Packers. His average actually went down to 44.5 yards. That means by letting O’Donnell walk Poles ended up with a rookie who was nearly the same in terms of punting but will get better. Had he kept O’Donnell, he’d have a veteran who perhaps is on the downside of his career.

Gill had his moments punting the ball. He had 20 punts inside the 20. With a full season under his belt, his totals will be even better. He will be instrumental in helping the Chicago Bears get more wins. Grade: A