Cairo Santos Causes Bears to Reevaluate Performance

The Chicago Bears have faced notable kicking concerns early in the season. Veteran kicker Cairo Santos struggled initially, missing three field goals within the first six games. This performance prompted discussions regarding his future with the franchise. These concerns intensified when teammate Jake Moody stepped in, achieving a commendable record of 8-of-9 in his two starts.

However, Santos experienced a resurgence following his return from injury. He has since demonstrated remarkable accuracy, successfully making 4-of-4 field goals and 8-of-8 extra point attempts over the last three games. Despite his recent success, questions remain about his overall effectiveness.

Cairo Santos and the Bears Kicking Dilemma

One ongoing criticism of Santos is his limited kicking range. While many kickers in the NFL have expanded their capabilities to make field goals beyond 60 yards, Santos has struggled to threaten from distances over 55 yards. Throughout his career, he has not converted any field goals from beyond 55 yards, and this season he is merely 3-of-5 on attempts from over 50 yards.

Key Issues Highlighted Against the Packers

Another significant issue arose during the game against the Green Bay Packers. Santos failed to kick the ball into the landing zone at the end of the first half, allowing Green Bay to start their drive at the 40-yard line, ultimately leading to a touchdown that extended their lead.

Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower addressed Santos’ struggles, noting that adverse weather conditions were not a factor. He emphasized that Santos simply did not execute well on that particular kick.

Innovative Techniques and Ongoing Challenges

Despite this, Santos has attempted to adjust his kicking style. He has been utilizing a new knuckleball technique for kickoffs. This method is designed to complicate returns, adhering to the NFL rules that require kickoffs to land between the goal line and the 20-yard line. However, the “dirty kickoffs” associated with this technique have proven less reliable, often leading to mistakes.

• Current Stats:
• 4-of-4 in field goals over the last three games.
• 8-of-8 in extra points during the same period.
• 3-of-5 on attempts over 50 yards this season.

Overall, Cairo Santos’ performance this season has been inconsistent. Once a mainstay in the kicking game, his recent difficulties may prompt the Bears’ front office to reevaluate his position with the team as they approach the offseason.