Chicago Bears: Matt Nagy is coddling his players, hiding from media

3. Kicking himself later on?

Last year is last year, but just thinking about how much of a circus the Bears’ kicking competition was still garners eye rolls from most fans. when Eddy Pineiro got close to winning and eventually won the job, Nagy still gave him a limitation in some games because of the fear he couldn’t make a certain kick.

This year, Nagy is going to keep two kickers one way or another — whether it be the active roster or practice squad. Picking up Cairo Santos for a second stint (crossing fingers he stays healthy) is the contingency plan for Pace and Nagy.

It’s respectable to have a backup plan, but what if they had just solved this issue for real a year ago?

Back to the present. Santos looked great in the Soldier Field scrimmage last Saturday. He made every single kick, and Nagy spoke highly of him — to no one’s surprise.

Now, Pineiro is likely dealing with a groin injury, which he has a history of dating back to his inaugural season in Oakland. If Pineiro is indeed hurt, Nagy and Pace need to come out and say it. Not only that, but Pineiro needs to go on IR and save a spot on the practice squad for another player.

All fans and media are asking for is a bit more transparency. It’s really not too difficult. Give us honesty and transparency, and start coaching your players to a higher standard.