Bears Seek Fixes After Special Teams Struggles Against Bengals

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears walked away from Week 9 with a victory, but their special teams left plenty to answer for. Despite defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 47-42, a series of blunders on kicks and coverage nearly cost them the game.

The problems began immediately, as the Bears allowed a 98-yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff. Later, a mishandled onside kick gave Cincinnati a chance to score two touchdowns in under a minute, turning what looked like a comfortable win into a late scare.

Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower didn’t deflect blame when addressing reporters this week. “Nobody in that room wants to get it corrected more than the players,” Hightower said. “We are going to work night and day to get it cleaned up. I will bust my ass, and they will too.”

While Chicago’s offense and defense delivered enough to secure the win, the lapses in the kicking and return units became a clear concern heading into the second half of the season — one that coach Ben Johnson and his staff intend to address immediately.

1. Breakdown in Execution and Missed Opportunities

The Bears’ special teams issues were not limited to coverage. Kicker Cairo Santos saw one of his field goal attempts blocked in the first half and missed another from 47 yards out — though the miss was nullified by a Bengals penalty, allowing Chicago’s offense to stay on the field and score a touchdown three plays later. Chicago also had a promising return wiped away in the second quarter. Devin Duvernay’s 52-yard kickoff return was negated after wide receiver Jahdae Walker was flagged for holding, erasing what could have been a momentum-shifting play. Coach Ben Johnson highlighted the lack of aggression and discipline across the coverage teams. “It’s lane integrity,” Johnson explained. “We have to do a better job shedding blocks and rallying to the football. We were too passive at times. It’s not just one player — it’s everyone. Coaches and players alike have to get this fixed.” The miscues painted a frustrating picture for a unit that had been one of Chicago’s early-season strengths. Now, both Johnson and Hightower find themselves tasked with restoring consistency to a group that has suddenly become unpredictable.

2. From Strength to Weakness: A Rapid Decline

Earlier this season, special teams had been a stabilizing force for Chicago. In Week 5, cornerback Josh Blackwell blocked a last-second field goal against the Raiders to preserve a 25-24 victory. One week later, emergency kicker Jake Moody nailed a 38-yard game-winner in Washington while Santos sat out with an injury. Those moments showcased the unit’s ability to deliver under pressure — making their collapse against the Bengals all the more surprising. Hightower acknowledged as much, admitting the group’s performance in Cincinnati fell well below expectations. “I think for sure it was a bad game,” Hightower said. “Everyone can see that. But it’s my unit, and I always take responsibility for it. I’ve always done that, and I always will.” Chicago’s focus now turns to fixing the small details — from blocking assignments to tackling angles — that turned a comfortable lead into a near-disaster. The team knows that similar mistakes against stronger opponents could be far more costly down the line.

3. Urgency to Rebuild Confidence and Consistency

The Bears enter Week 10 aware that special teams breakdowns can swing games in an instant. With playoff positioning beginning to take shape, Hightower and his players are treating this week’s practices as an opportunity to rebuild trust and confidence. “We’ve been a difference-making unit in games before,” Hightower said. “We know what we’re capable of. But we can’t rely on past performances — we have to prove it again.” Johnson echoed that sentiment, emphasizing accountability and urgency. “It’s about fundamentals,” he said. “We have to get back to doing the little things right. If we take care of those details, the results will follow.” As Chicago prepares for its next matchup, the team knows the spotlight will remain fixed on its special teams. One strong performance could quickly erase the sting of Week 9 — but another misstep could reignite serious questions about the group’s reliability.