Ben Johnson And Bears Staff Facing An Overlooked Problem

The Chicago Bears go into the summer with few concerns regarding their roster. Sure, there are questions about running back and edge rusher, but it feels like the team at least has potential answers for those problems. However, it feels as if head coach Ben Johnson and his staff inherited one that isn’t talked about enough. Patrick Scales, their longtime long snapper since 2015, announced on Instagram that he is stepping away from football. He suffered a back injury last season and never returned. Some wondered if he’d try to come back for another year.

Chicago has their answer. This puts the organization in a precarious spot. The Bears have enjoyed remarkable stability at long snapper for the past 30 years. It started with Patrick Mannelly, who held the job from 1998 through 2013. After a brief bout of uncertainty the next year, Scales arrived in 2015 to take over the mantle for the next decade. While long snapper might not be a premium position, it can be hugely consequential when you don’t have a reliable one.

Ben Johnson hopes he won’t have to search.

After Scales got hurt, the team brought in veteran Scott Daly to take over snapping duties. His 84.8 grade was among the highest in the NFL for long snappers. After bouncing between the NFL, AAF, and XFL through his first few years, he latched on with the Detroit Lions in 2021 and spent three seasons as their starter. Unfortunately, Daly was cut last year in favor of a younger option. Their loss appeared to be the Bears’ gain. It certainly worked out for him. The 31-year-old is a Downers Grove native. Getting to play for his hometown team is a major blessing. It certainly adds motivation to play well. Ben Johnson certainly hopes he won’t have to address the problem. Otherwise, the Bears could be vulnerable in a tough spot.