Chicago Bears: 3 things we learned from win over Vikings
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Parkey was true Sunday night
Do you want proof that football is back in the Windy City? Look no further than the week kicker Cody Parkey had following the Detroit Lions game in which he “oinked” four kicks off the uprights. The biggest story wasn’t the Bears dismantling of a division opponent or the fact that Trubisky put together his most complete game as a pro.
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Instead, it was all about Parkey and whether the Bears staff — particularly Matt Nagy — had confidence in him going forward. Of particular concern to fans was whether he would be called on (and could be counted upon) in a clutch situation.
To prepare for that moment, Parkey took to Soldier Field this week to practice on the same field on which he would kick. Makes sense, right? But he hadn’t done until last week when a local news station sent a helicopter to Soldier Field to video him kicking. In an empty stadium. At night.
So when he came out with a chance to put the Bears up 3-0 in the first quarter, there was a loud murmur throughout the crowd. But Parkey was true. Therefore, it was somewhat surprising that with the bears up 9-0 after Miller’s touchdown, Nagy decided to go for two points, rather than have Parkey kick the extra point.
However, that move appeared to be more about analytics than a lack of confidence in Parkey. This was affirmed by Nagy’s decision late in the game when with 2:48 left, up eight, Nagy decided to have Parkey kick a 48-yard field goal rather than go for it on 4th and 4. Nagy’s faith was rewarded as Parkey split the uprights. That kick could give him the confidence he needs the rest of the season.