Bears News: Hightower on Tory Taylor’s offseason, Jahdae Walker making the roster

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 15 hours ago

CHICAGO - Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower cannot be happy with how the preseason unfolded, especially in the preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kickoff return coverage was one area of concern. In the Chiefs' game, Kansas City returned five kickoffs. Four of them had a return of over 20 yards, with three of those being nearly 30 yards. This resulted in there being little to no difference in field position compared to if the Bears had just kicked a touchback.

Kicker Cairo Santos also doinked a 47-yard field goal. Besides the fact that Bears fans do not like doinks, anything inside of 50 yards should be a given. So, missing a 47-yarder is concerning going forward. In addition, Chicago had an extra point blocked. Given this was also a problem last season, it is concerning that it is resurfacing already this year.

One bright side was punter Tory Taylor in the final preseason game. In every preseason game, Taylor averaged over 50 yards per punt with his longest punt being 59 yards against the Buffalo Bills. However, in the first two games, he did not have any punts inside the 20-yard line.

Against Kansas City, both of his punts were inside the 20-yard line. Overall, Hightower thought he had a really good camp.

“Really good camp. Hit the ball really well. Finished the Kansas City game strong,” Hightower said. “He is coming into his own, I think, hitting the stride for the season and that’s what he want. So, he’s down a nice job. He works his tail off at it. He cares a lot.”

When it comes to roster cutdowns, for a player who is not an established starter, the ability to make plays on special teams can be crucial to earning a spot. While Bears fans probably remember receiver Jahdae Walker for his game-winning touchdown against the Chiefs in the final seconds of the game, he also made a crucial tackle on the ensuing kickoff to seal the victory.

Walker has been someone who stood out to the coaches, including Hightower, for his love of the game and work ethic.

“The thing about Jahdae is he’s been the same guy since he got here in the offseason. So, he loves football,” Hightower said. “He works his tail off, and we were excited to see him make that play, and we’re excited to see how he can help us in the future.”

Unfortunately for Hightower, the special teams unit suffered a blow when running back Travis Homer and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga were placed on injured reserve (IR). However, they are both designated to return. So, both could play as soon as week six, when the Bears come off their week five bye.

Both Homer and Ogbongbemiga were key members of the special teams. In fact, Homer played on 63 percent of special teams plays last season, while Ogbongbemiga played on 84 percent of special teams plays last year. With both of them absent for at least the first four games of the season, Chicago’s younger players will have to step up to ensure the special teams concerns that showed up in the preseason do not bleed into the regular season.

The Bears will open their season on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings on Mon. Sept. 8 (7:15 p.m. / ABC) before traveling to Detroit to face the Lions on Sun. Sept. 14 (Noon / FOX).