Coming into Sunday, the pressure in the Chicago Bears kicker battle was entirely on Eddy Pineiro. The second-year man who was acquired from Oakland via trade had to wait his turn. Elliott Fry was given the first full day of kicking duties in front of over 8,000 fans on Saturday. He didn’t disappoint. After missing his first kick of 33 yards, the former AAF standout reeled off nine-straight including one from 60.
It was an impressive display and a great opening salvo to a highly-anticipated competition. Everybody knows how crucial this battle is. Pineiro included. If he flubbed his first opportunity, it could swing the pendulum decisively in Fry’s favor. Fortunately, the kid was up to the challenge as he delivered an arguably even more impressive display during the drills.
Things started better for him as he connected on the first six field goals of the session before finally missing one from 53 yards. Perhaps a little annoyed, he decided to make up for it by doubling down by surpassing Fry with a 63-yard attempt. He nailed it and left the field like some classic hero walking away from an explosion. It was quite a display and as good a reply in this competition as he could’ve hoped for.
Eddy Pineiro showcased why the Bears like him so much
Now to be fair Pineiro had some help on that last kick from the wind. Then again so did Fry the day before. It doesn’t change the original point though. One of the biggest reasons the Bears traded for the former Florida standout was they felt he had a special leg. During his final year in college, he was a perfect 5-of-5 from beyond 50 yards. That was the first signal that the kid not only could kick it far but kick it where he was aiming too.
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The question with him was a matter of health and experience. Pineiro suffered a groin injury that prematurely ended his 2018 rookie season after just one preseason game. Prior to that, all the buzz hinted that the Raiders job was all but his. That setback enabled Daniel Carlson to swoop in and take it over the course of the season. One can imagine Pineiro was frustrated by that turn of events.
Chicago was willing to give him a chance despite knowing the health concern and still-unproven history. It would seem he’s working hard to prove both are non-issues.
