Ryan Pace likely knew what was coming the moment he started accepting questions down in Decatur, Illinois. Weeks may have passed since the Chicago Bears GM last met with the media. One would think the hot button topic might’ve changed in that time. Nope. The first series of questions sent flying in his direction was about the state of the kicker situation. What do they feel they have in Elliott Fry and Eddy Pineiro.
Pace, to his credit, handled each question with his usual calm. He made it clear that the Bears like both players, though for different reasons. In Pineiro, they see somebody with unique leg talent. He can hit it from a distance, something that is required in the dicey weather of Soldier Field. In Fry, his mechanics and consistency stand out most. Consistent accuracy has obviously been a problem for them.
The plan at this point is simple. They like the upside of both guys and aim to give them a legitimate chance in training camp to win the job. His goal is to solve the position long-term so the team doesn’t have to keep doing this dance every offseason. However, Pace also made it clear the team is keeping eyes squarely on other rosters for potential options.
In other words, nobody is safe.
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Chicago Bears see no clear winner in the battle yet
Pace described the competition to this point as “even.” That can be considered either a good or a bad thing. It means the two kickers are both performing well or they’re both struggling and neither can separate himself from the other. Each should know that they can’t let that continue forever. The Bears are running out of time to make a decision. If they can’t seize the inside track soon, a change will be made.
There are plenty of experienced veterans out there who could make for a temporary fix including Matt Bryant and Kai Forbath. There may also be some interesting names cut loose onto the market within the next month. Pace has indicated he’ll do whatever it takes to get this position right. Everybody knows how high the stakes are this year. This team is good enough to get to a Super Bowl and don’t want a kicker to ruin it for them.
