After suffering two blocked field goals in consecutive games, Bears kicker Cairo Santos took responsibility for the issues plaguing the team's special teams unit. In a recent game against the Vikings, Santos' low trajectory kicks were exploited, leading to a blocked field goal that contributed to a 30-27 loss. Despite the setbacks, Santos managed to tie the game with a successful 48-yard field goal later on. The Bears' special teams struggles extended beyond Santos, with return specialist DeAndre Carter also facing criticism for a muffed punt. Coach Matt Eberflus indicated that he would take a more active role in addressing these issues moving forward.

In a narrow loss to the Green Bay Packers, Bears coach Matt Eberflus defended his decision to let the clock run down before attempting a game-winning field goal. Kicker Cairo Santos's 46-yard attempt was blocked, leading to Chicago's 20-19 defeat, marking their 11th consecutive loss to Green Bay. Eberflus expressed confidence in Santos's ability to make the kick from that distance, despite the decision to not run another play to potentially improve the field goal range.

The article discusses how standalone NFL games, often referred to as 'island games', attract significantly more betting action compared to regular Sunday afternoon games. These primetime matchups create a unique viewing experience that draws in larger audiences and betting handles, making them crucial for sportsbooks. The article highlights the impact of high-profile games on betting trends and the overall popularity of NFL games in the sports betting landscape.

The article discusses how standalone NFL games, often referred to as 'island games', attract significantly more betting action compared to regular Sunday afternoon games. These games, which include Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football, dominate the sports betting landscape due to their solitary viewing status, leading to increased handle and public interest. The article highlights the importance of primetime matchups in driving betting activity, with sportsbooks reporting that these games often determine their success for the weekend.

In a thrilling NFL debut, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led the Chicago Bears to a comeback victory over the Tennessee Titans, winning 24-17. Despite a challenging performance where he completed only 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards without a touchdown, Williams' team rallied around him, showcasing resilience and strong defensive plays. The Bears became the first team in NFL history to win a game while trailing by at least 17 points and having fewer than 150 total yards, highlighting the impact of their defense and special teams.

The Chicago Bears have signed kicker Cairo Santos to a four-year, $16 million extension with $9.5 million guaranteed. Santos has been the Bears' kicker since the 2020 season and has a strong record of success, making 104 of 114 field goal attempts in that span. His 30 field goals made in 2020 set a franchise record. This new contract will keep Santos in Chicago through the 2027 season.