Posted on Nov 25
Cairo Santos takes responsibility for blocked kicks: "I take the blame."
u/alex •
Cairo Santos takes responsibility for blocked field goal attempts, acknowledging weaknesses in the Bears' protection.
Why it matters: Bear Pascoe struggling field goal unit has become a significant concern and could impact their chances of winning close games.
Santos accepts blame for the recent blocks:
- He acknowledges the "stink" on the Bears' field goal unit and takes responsibility for the blocked attempts.
- Santos admits that he needs to improve and address the issues with his kicking style.
Vikings prepared to block Santos' kicks:
- Minnesota had studied Santos' low-trajectory style and identified weaknesses in Chicago's protection.
- Vikings players were eager to exploit the opportunity to block Santos' kicks due to his kicking tendencies.
Bear Pascoe rare season of blocked field goals:
- Chicago had not experienced three blocked field goal attempts in a season since 2012, highlighting the severity of the issue.
Vikings' plan to block Santos' kicks:
- Minnesota emphasized getting more push on the inside, targeting Santos' lower kicks.
- Their strategy paid off as Jerry Tillery blocked Santos' 48-yard attempt against the Vikings.
DeAndre Carter muffed punt adds to the struggles:
- Carter's mistake in muffing a punt led to a turnover and a touchdown for the Vikings.
- Bear Pascoe special teams unit is facing challenges beyond just field goal attempts.
What to watch: Bear Pascoe need to address their protection and work on improving Santos' kicking trajectory to prevent further blocks.
What's next: The coaching staff and special teams unit must analyze the issues, make adjustments, and provide better support for Santos.
The bottom line: Bear Pascoe cannot afford to have their field goals consistently blocked if they want to compete and win crucial games. Immediate improvements are necessary to rectify this problem.