LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower on Thursday accepted the blame for his unit’s poor performance in Chicago’s 47-42 win at Cincinnati on Sunday.
In a wild game, the Bears’ special teams allowed a 98-yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff, had a field-goal attempt blocked and failed to recover a key onside kick late in the game, which paved the way for the Bengals to take a late lead before quarterback Caleb Williams helped rally Chicago to a win.
Cincinnati averaged 37.1 yards on eight kickoff returns.
“Obviously, that’s not our best brand of football,” Hightower said. “And I take responsibility for it.
“For sure, it was a bad game. Everyone can see that. But it’s my unit. I'll always take responsibility for it.”
In addition to the Bears allowing a blocked field goal, kicker Cairo Santos missed a 47-yard field-goal attempt late in the first quarter. That miss was negated by an offsides penalty against the Bengals, allowing the Bears' drive to continue with a fresh set of downs.
There was no commonality between the blocked field goal and Santos’ miss, Hightower said.
Bears receiver Jahdae Walker also was called for holding in the first quarter, negating a 52-yard kickoff return by Devin Duvernay.
"We are going to work night and day to get it all cleaned up, I can promise you that," Hightower said. "I will bust my ass, and they will too, to get it cleaned up."
Hightower, 45, has been with the Bears since 2022, when he was hired by then-coach Matt Eberflus. He was the lone coordinator retained by first-year head coach Ben Johnson.
The Bears (5-3) will host the Giants (2-7) on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.