Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Alarming special teams stat raises questions about Chicago Bears kicking situation

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 11:06 AM ET

Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens was a poor showing for all three phases for the Chicago Bears. Instead of earning a fifth-straight win, the Bears now find themselves at 4-3 with another road game on tap.

Even after the Bears controlled the first two drives, they had to settle for field goals rather than touchdowns. That’s something Ben Johnson wanted his team to improve on. However, later in the first half, a critical moment came up as the Bears had to execute the “fire drill” field goal as the clock was expiring.

After a completion to Colston Loveland, Cairo Santos ran out there and attempted a 58-yard field goal which fell short as time expired in the first half. Instead of going into the break down 10-9, they trailed 10-6. Those three points proved to be critical late in the game as the Bears cut the lead to one score.

But it also brings up a potential bigger problem.

Chicago Bears kickers have struggled from long distance

After the miss, Nicholas Moreano of Marquee pointed out a shocking stat for the Bears and field goal attempts. Per Moreano, the Bears have made just two field goals over 55 yards since the 1948 season.

Both came from Robbie Gould who made a 57-yard field goal in 2011 and then a 58-yard field goal in 2013.

Since 1948, the Bears have had only two field goals over 55 yards. Both were by Robbie Gould.

12/11/2011 @ Broncos 57-yard field goal
09/08/2013 vs Bengals 58-yard field goal

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) October 26, 2025

That’s tough.

With NFL teams seemingly finding kickers that can kick from long distance, the Bears struggle in that area. But is the solution even on the roster?

After Santos missed, many pointed to Jake Moody as the option the Bears should go with. Moody was good in the two games he took over for Santos while he was hurt. However, looking at Moody’s career, he’s only 6-of-12 from kicks of 50-plus yards in his career.

So what is the solution?

It’s unlikely the Bears make a change. Santos is a captain and the Bears trust him. He’s been rock solid inside 50 yards and you just have to live with his limitations in terms of distance.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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