4. Ahmed struggled kicking beyond 50 yards in college
Call it the Cody Parkey effect, but there’s extra caution when it comes to Bears kickers stepping up to kick a field goal from 43 yards and beyond. While Pineiro had a rough streak last season — where he hit 3-of-7 field goals, including some with game implications — he also showed that he has the leg to make long kicks. Most notably, Pineiro connected on a 53-yard field goal to lift the Bears over the Broncos in Week 2 last season.
But Ahmed hasn’t been as lucky beyond 50 yards. While he was nearly perfect under 40 yards — connecting on 94% of field goals — he had his struggles beyond 50 yards. At Nevada, Ahmed was just 1-of-4 beyond 50 yards. Hopefully, the Bears won’t have to attempt many 50-yard field goals.