Chicago Bears: Takeaways from loss to the Giants

Will they ever choose a kicker?

After the first preseason game, most people were all in on team Elliott Fry. I take that back, many people were all in on looking to add another kicker from another team. Rumors floated around that the team tried to trade for Kaare Vedvik from the Ravens. The Vikings ended up getting him by sending Baltimore a fifth-round pick.

Now, some are still clamoring for a kicker from another team. I’d slow down here, to be honest. Ryan Pace is aggressive, but I do not see him trading away too much draft capital. The team has invested a large amount of time in Fry and Eddy Pineiro. One of these two will likely be the guy to kick footballs for the Chicago Bears in 2019. I ask again. Team Fry or team Pineiro?

After tonight, the guys are essentially back to equal. Fry missed a 41-yarder on Friday, whereas Pineiro hit all of his opportunities. Combined between the two games, Pineiro has made 3-of-4 attempts. Fry has made 1-of-2 field-goal attempts and 2-of-2 for extra-point attempts. The third preseason game is likely to be the tiebreaker. I would hope the team knows after that game who is staying.

Kerrith Whyte was a bright spot on special teams too. He should have had a return for a touchdown if not for a holding penalty that was not needed to spring him free. Whyte turned on the jets and showed his speed. He should make the team solely based on his ability to spring one free in the return game.

Last week, Ian Bunting showed everyone how good he could be in the receiving game. This week, the tight end position was hibernating on offense. Bunting had two solid tackles though on special teams. If he wants any chance to make the team, he will need to continue to show up on special teams plays. James Vaughters was flying around on special teams too. Another guy pushing to remain on the team.

This loss looked ugly on the scoreboard, but remember, it means basically nothing. The playcalling is vanilla and the starters did not see a single snap. Do not panic. This team is still going to be dominant again this season.