The Chicago Bears kicker battle has transformed into something genuinely entertaining over the past two weeks. Elliott Fry and Eddy Pineiro had to go through a lot to reach training camp and the pressure hasn’t relented. However, it seems the two now realize the job is truly up for grabs. If they want it, they’ll have to take it. Since camp opened, both have traded one impressive performance after the other.
There was no definitive leader going into the team’s annual Family Fest practice under the lights at Soldier Field. This marked the first time either Fry or Pineiro would kick in that stadium. Knowing how little Cody Parkey thought of practicing there during his time with the team, how either of them performed would be considered crucial to their pursuit of the job. While neither performed poorly, one came out looking better for sure.
Fry went 7-of-9 on the evening with his only misses being from 48 and 60 yards. Pineiro? He “won” the contest by going a perfect 12-of-12 including a 60-yarder of his own. It was an impressive night for him. Either way, this is all the more encouraging for the Bears. The way things are shaping up, they may not end up going wrong with either player once they finally make their decision.
Chicago Bears kicker battle will be must-see TV in preseason
The NFL preseason is never compelling football for the average fan. Hardcores love it because it’s a chance to see lesser-known players they love. Or it’s a way to see roster competitions play out. With the Bears starters unlikely to see much action this month, that means the focus of many will be on how Pineiro and Fry operate under live game conditions. This is where things get interesting.
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Pineiro is the only one to participate in an NFL game and that was the preseason last year. He went 3-of-3 for the Raiders in their opener before suffering a season-ending groin injury. Fry’s game experience comes from the short-lived Alliance of American Football. So this will be his first time kicking in an NFL game in an NFL stadium. It will be fascinating to see how each of them responds. Smart money says one of them will stumble eventually. Right?
