Chicago Bears: Finding bright spots amidst a disastrous season

3. Cairo Santos a viable long-term solution

What a turn of events at the kicker position. Chicago was, at one point, looking at the young, unproven Eddy Pineiro to be their kicker for 2020. But, because Pineiro got hurt before the season started, it was Cairo Santos who came up from the practice squad and got his second shot to be the kicker for the Bears.

All he has done for Chicago is exceed every expectation and become a solid, consistent kicker — something they have been missing for a few years now.

The 29-year-old is having a career year, making 18 of 20 field goals — good for a 90 percent success rate. In addition to pacing for a career-best 90 percent on field goals, he also nailed a career-long 55-yard field goal in Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers.

Because kickers typically last a lot longer in the NFL than most positions, the fact that Santos is under 30 gives the Bears great hope that he could be a long-term solution. After spending the last six years kicking for a handful of teams, Santos could have found his permanent home in Chicago.

On one hand, it’s kind of sad to say that Santos has been one of the highlights because the offense has failed to score consistently. But, on the other hand, his season should not be brushed over. He’s kicked very well, and should be given the credit he is due.