Chicago Bears Kicker Battle Takes Big Shift in Preseason Opener

The Chicago Bears kicker competition is reaching its zenith. After an entertaining lead up through training camp, Elliott Fry and Eddy Pineiro would have their first taste of live game action at Soldier Field. This would be the decisive string for both. Any mistake gets magnified because it's the venue they'll be expected to command in the future. True to form, the stadium once again made life miserable for one of them.

That man was Pineiro. The second-year kicker who was traded from Oakland to Chicago, had the pressure on him after Fry hit an extra point to begin the action. His first attempt was a 48-yard field goal. Not an easy distance but there was no wind to speak of. Pineiro got plenty of leg behind it, but the ball started left and kept going left to miss wide. The crowd let the boos fly after the miss.

Matters were made even worse not long after when Fry connected on a 43-yard attempt right down the middle. The same distance Cody Parkey clanged off the upright back in January. Pineiro later hit a 23-yard attempt but it was small consolation at that point. His big opportunity to make a statement had been waste. Now there is no question that Fry is the leader in the clubhouse.

Chicago Bears kicker battle may have an anticlimax

Then again the winner may not end up being either of them. Several backup kickers had a great night on Thursday. That includes Joey Slye who was a perfect 3-of-3 for the Panthers on the evening with a 55-yarder as the highlight. He is certainly someone the Bears will keep in the back of their minds as this competition moves forward. There is still time for Pineiro to recover but it's running out fast.

Fry has shown throughout camp that what he may lack in overall leg strength, he makes up for in mechanical consistency. He knows the job is his for the taking. He showed in the AAF that he could perform when the lights were on, going 14-of-14. Bears fans aren't asking for distance. They want accuracy and he can provide that. Whether he can withstand the pressure remains the big question mark.