The Chicago Bears are at 10 wins for the first time since 2018 after their commanding 31-3 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon. It was brisk at Soldier Field, where the temperature was near 10 degrees; however, it ended up playing a factor on special teams.
It seemed like the cold weather got to Bears kicker Cairo Santos, who missed an easy 35-yard field goal, and this shouldn't be something they ignore. Making matters worse is that Browns K Andre Szmyt hit a 50-yard field goal in the same direction as Santos' miss.
With the postseason right around the corner, Santos' grip on the starting job continues to loosen, leaving him with a precarious future.
Cairo Santos' Struggles Can't Be Ignored After Week 15 Performance
Before fans say it was cold and that had an impact on Santos' field goal kick, that excuse needs to go out the window. We are in December, and the weather isn't going to get warmer for the remainder of the year. Being able to kick in this weather is a must and a part of the job. He's also spent the last six seasons in Chicago, so he should know how to kick in these elements.
With him missing a 35-yarder, that can't instill confidence in the coaching staff, whether or not they'll admit it. Including Sunday's effort, Santos is 21-of-26 on field goals (80.8%). He's gone 8-of-10 from 40-49 (80.%) yards away and 3-of-5 from 50-plus yards away (60.0%).
It's also worth noting that Santos had troubles with kickoffs in Week 14. He failed to consistently put the ball in the landing zone, often giving the Green Bay Packers good field position. In the second quarter, Santos was penalized for placing the ball short of the landing zone, putting the ball at the 40-yard line for the Packers. Things continued into the fourth quarter when Santos launched a touchdown, putting the ball at the 35-yard line.
His shortcomings on the kickoff, in combination with the missed chip-shot field goal in Week 15, could raise some doubts about Santos in the most important stretch of the field. And if those struggles continue, one has to wonder how much longer he'll last in Chicago. After all, an offseason cut or trade after June 1 would create over $3.2 million in savings, per Spotrac.
That's down the line, though, and the Bears must focus on the present. Having said that, there isn't another kicker on the active roster or practice squad, so if Santos continues to have these lapses, the Bears will be in hot water.
That's why the veteran kicker must step up before it's too late because the last thing Chicago needs is for its season to end on another Santos mistake.