5 thoughts following the Chicago Bears 27-24 loss to Atlanta

Thought No. 2: Special Teams has cost the Chicago Bears too often this season

When you think of coaches who get a lot of heat, you think of both offensive and defensive coordinators first, not the special teams coordinator.

However, Richard Hightower is becoming a name many fans will remember as his unit continues to make game-altering gaffes in key situations this season.

Against the Falcons, the special teams did some good stuff. Velus Jones returned the Bears’ first kickoff for 55 yards — giving the team an excellent position on their opening drive which ended with a touchdown. Then they forced a fumble on a punt return.

However, Cairo Santos missed a 56-yard FG attempt near halftime and the Falcons took over and drove down the field to tie the game at 17-17. Before that, former Bear, Cordarrelle Patterson made up for his fumble on the Falcons’ previous possession by setting an NFL record with his ninth kick return touchdown. The return went for 103 yards. Those two plays completely changed the momentum of the ball game.

Against the Lions, Santos missed a PAT that ultimately was the difference in a loss. The week before, a blocked punt was returned by the Dolphins for a touchdown. The punt was blocked due to a poor blocking attempt made by Khalil Herbert, who is not a good blocker even as a running back. The Chicago Bears lost by three points.

And let’s not forget Velus Jones cost the Bears with his botched punt attempt that lead them to two more additional losses against the New York Giants and Washington Commanders, which led to him being benched the last two games before being activated against Atlanta Falcons.

The Bears should have won at least two of those games. Winning may not matter this year because this team is in total rebuilding mode under General Manager Ryan Poles. But winning these close games still matters. And special teams gaffe is largely been a problem.