Chicago Bears Rookies: Tory Taylor exceeding expectations

Many people, from Chicago Bears fans to analysts in the media, turned up their noses six months ago when the Bears spent a fourth-round pick on a punter, Tory Taylor, in the 2024 NFL Draft. Folks felt that there were still enough holes on the roster that GM Ryan Poles couldn’t afford to spend a pick on a position that could easily be filled by an undrafted free agent.

Six weeks into the season, the doubters have already had to eat crow.

After a rough start, Tory Taylor has arrived.

As Chicago’s offense found its sea legs through the first three games, Taylor had to punt more than most Bears fans had hoped, and the results weren’t great. He averaged just 44 yards per punt, which was middle of the pack for all punters. But in Week 4 against the Rams, Taylor had his coming out party. He averaged 55.4 yards on five punts in that game, including two punts late in the second half that pinned the Rams deep in their own territory. The Bears were desperately clinging to a one-score lead at that time, making that field position critical to securing the win.

Did we make a punter hype video?

Absolutely pic.twitter.com/ivHx9nOHAT

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 1, 2024

Two weeks later, in London, Taylor put on a historic performance. He punted just twice but averaged a ridiculous 61.5 yards per punt, the most in franchise history going back to at least 1948.

Per @BearsPR, Tory Taylor’s punting average of 61.5 yards today is the highest in franchise history (since at least 1948) in a game with multiple punts. The previous record-holder was Maury Buford (57.5 yards on 9/8/85)

— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) October 13, 2024

Tory Taylor’s value shows up most in close games.

In their last two games, Chicago has blown the doors off their opponents, so Taylor’s punting has mostly been an afterthought. His value will be most vividly on display, however, in close games. Whether the Bears’ offense struggles to score or the defense has its hands full with a dynamic opponent, that’s when field position can win or lose the game for Chicago.

In recent years, the field position battle has usually come back to bite the Bears. In a low-scoring game, when both teams punted several times in a row, eventually, the other team would get to start around midfield and score a touchdown, taking all the momentum. That won’t happen anymore with Tory Taylor.

And if the Bears earn a playoff trip this season, that’s when Taylor can shine. Once you’re in the playoffs, every possession and yard matters. At that point, Bears fans would be thrilled that Poles spent a 4th round pick on the punter from down under.