Week 1 was not the best for Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos, who has been under a lot of scrutiny by the fan base and the media for his role in the 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.
Santos had a chance to make his second field goal of the night from 50 yards out to start the fourth quarter, but hooked it. The second mistake he made was not getting enough air underneath the ball on the final kickoff to the Vikings, which allowed it to return. It has since been said by Bears head coach Ben Johnson that he wanted Santos to kick it out of the end zone.
Overall, the fourth quarter was not great for Santos, and now there are calls for him to be replaced. It's a bit premature, as we are one game into the season, but the mistakes he made did cost the Bears a chance to tie at least or win the game.
There might be some good news on the horizon for Bears fans as their Week 2 showdown with division rivals, the Detroit Lions, opens an opportunity for Santos to redeem himself.
Could Santos be the hero for the Bears against NFC North rivals Lions?
FanSided writer Lou Scataglia wrote his bold predictions for Week 2 matchups across the NFL with a big one that Bears fans are going to love. Scataglia believes Santos might be called upon at the end of the game to nail a game-winning field goal.
"Both teams dropped the ball big-time in Week 1, and you don't get the sense that either is super pleased. In his return to Detroit, Ben Johnson will help lead Chicago to kick a game-winning field goal as time expires for the win."
Santos has enjoyed a nice, long stay in Chicago since 2020, as he has nailed 88% of his field goals with the Bears. Last season was the worst of Santos' career with the Bears as he made just 84% of his kicks after having back-to-back 90% plus seasons in Chicago.
Read more: One missed call by referees in Bears' loss to Vikings cost them home win
Santos has a chance to become the hero for the Bears and desparately needs it more than anyone on the team. A field goal against Johnson's old team will make everyone forget the mistakes of Week 1 easily.