Andy Phillips Is Gaining on Connor Barth for Bears Kicker Job

There are plenty of compelling roster battles on the Chicago Bears depth chart this year. Of course the one at quarterback is grabbing the headlines, but there are some getting overlooked. A big one that fans should care about? Connor Barth and Andy Phillips in their battle to be the kicker for the 2017 season. Barth is the established veteran at this point. He accepted the unfortunate task of replacing longtime franchise staple Robbie Gould in 2016. All things considered it didn't go well. He missed five field goals including one blocked and whiffed on an extra point as well. His 78.3% accuracy rate was bellow the standards Chicago is used to. That's why GM Ryan Pace signed Phillips as an undrafted free agent out of Utah back in May. He enjoyed lots of success in college and represented the sort of young, cheap alternative that could compete to push Barth. Some though don't think the Bears view him as a possible replacement. Seems they were wrong.

Connor Barth and Andy Phillips will take battle into preseason

Special teams coach Jeff Rodgers certainly doesn't sound like a man convinced his roster is set. The theme of the 2017 Bears is getting the best possible 53 players. That means competitions everywhere. Barth did not show he deserved the job long-term last year. So the team has left the door wide open for the rookie as Rodgers told Chicago Sun-Times.

"Rodgers doesn’t view Phillips, a 28-year-old rookie from Utah who once was an Olympic downhill-skiing hopeful, as merely a “camp leg.” Phillips will get his chance to kick in preseason games. Rodgers wants to see how he handles the live game action and pressure. Connor Barth is the clear favorite. He’s reliable within the range the Bears want and battle-tested. But Phillips earned the nickname “Automatic Andy” for a reason at Utah. His background makes him even more compelling."

The two got their opportunity to really go at it for the first time at Bears Family Fest in Soldier Field. It marked the first time teams ran live 11-on-11 drills, simulating actual game action. This meant the kickers would be involved. After both doing well in the field goal drills, each got a chance to kick in the scrimmage. Barth dinged an extra point off the goal post. Phillips nailed his lone field goal attempt. So don't think for a second the coaches will forget that. This battle will get real as the game action intensifies in preseason.