What Did Bears HC Ben Johnson Say About Cairo Santos?

Cairo Santos remains the starting kicker for the Chicago Bears, even after a rocky start to the 2025 season marked by missed field goals and kickoffs out of bounds. Head coach Ben Johnson has expressed confidence in Santos, dismissing the notion that the signing of former San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody signals an open competition for the position. While Santos has been reliable on shorter kicks, his performance on longer attempts has raised concerns. If his inconsistencies continue, the Bears may reconsider their options.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Cairo Santos' role as the Bears' kicker is currently secure, despite early-season struggles.
• Head coach Ben Johnson has confidence in Santos and does not see an open competition for the kicker position.
• Santos has been consistent on short field goals but has struggled with longer attempts.
• Jake Moody, signed to the practice squad, has his own inconsistencies and is not seen as an immediate threat to Santos.
• The Bears may reconsider their kicker situation if Santos’ performance does not improve.

Santos’ Performance: A Closer Look

Cairo Santos has been a dependable kicker for the Bears, particularly on field goals within 40 yards. Over the past five seasons, he has successfully converted all 73 attempts in this range. However, his performance takes a downturn with longer kicks, where he has converted only 81.25% of attempts from 40 to 49 yards and 77.7% from 50 yards and beyond. This trend raises eyebrows, especially since seven of his 15 missed field goals in the last two seasons have occurred recently.

Struggles in the 2025 Season

The 2025 season began on a shaky note for Santos. In the opener against the Minnesota Vikings, he missed a critical 50-yard field goal attempt and failed to execute a kickoff effectively, placing the Bears in a difficult position. This performance set a precedent that raised questions about his reliability. The situation did not improve in the following game against the Detroit Lions, where his opening kickoff sailed out of bounds, allowing the Lions to start their drive at the 40-yard line. This misstep helped the Lions score their first touchdown with minimal effort.

What the Bears Are Saying

Despite these setbacks, head coach Ben Johnson has been vocal about his support for Santos. In a postgame press conference following the loss to the Lions, Johnson stated, “We have a lot of confidence in Cairo.” His comments suggest that the Bears are not yet ready to make a change, although they are monitoring the situation closely.

Implications of Moody’s Signing

To bolster their options, the Bears signed Jake Moody to their practice squad. While this move may raise eyebrows, especially considering Moody's own inconsistency, it reflects the Bears' desire to have a backup plan. Moody was once considered a promising kicker, having been selected 99th overall in the 2023 NFL draft. His initial success with the 49ers saw him making 21 of 25 field goals as a rookie, earning a spot on the PFWA’s 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team. However, his trajectory took a downward turn due to injuries and subsequent performance issues.

Moody’s Performance History

Moody's struggles began after a high-ankle sprain in the 2024 season that impacted his kicking accuracy. After returning, he missed nine of his 20 attempts, casting doubt on his reliability. This inconsistency culminated in his release after a poor showing in Week 1 of the 2025 season, where he missed two field goals from less than 40 yards, including a 27-yarder that was particularly painful for the 49ers. Given this background, the Bears' decision to sign Moody seems more about depth than an active competition for the starting role.

Future of the Kicker Position

As the Bears navigate the early part of the season, they must weigh the pros and cons of maintaining Santos as their kicker. While his track record on shorter kicks offers some reassurance, his long-range struggles could necessitate a change if they continue. The Bears have indicated they are willing to stick with Santos for now, but that could change if his performance impacts their chances in crucial games.

Conclusion: What Happens Next?

The Bears find themselves in a precarious situation with Cairo Santos. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, the inconsistencies could lead to a reevaluation of his position if he does not improve. Conversely, Jake Moody, despite being a promising prospect at one time, has yet to demonstrate that he is ready to take over the responsibilities of a starting kicker in the NFL.

As the season unfolds, the Bears will need to monitor Santos closely, balancing confidence with performance. The future of their kicker position may hinge on Santos’ ability to overcome his current challenges. Can he regain his form, or will the Bears be forced to look elsewhere? Only time will tell.

FAQs

Is Cairo Santos still the starting kicker for the Bears?

Yes, Cairo Santos remains the starting kicker, with head coach Ben Johnson expressing confidence in his abilities despite early-season struggles.

What led to the Bears signing Jake Moody?

The Bears signed Jake Moody to their practice squad as a backup option after Santos faced kicking inconsistencies in the first two games of the season.

How has Santos performed in previous seasons?

Santos has been highly reliable on field goals under 40 yards, successfully converting all attempts in the last five seasons, but has struggled with longer kicks.

What are the chances that Santos will be replaced?

While the Bears currently have confidence in Santos, if his performance does not improve, they may consider replacing him with another kicker.

Why did Moody struggle with the 49ers?

Moody struggled primarily due to a high-ankle sprain and subsequent inconsistencies in his kicking, leading to his release after a poor performance in the 2025 season opener.