The Chicago Bears have made a strategic move to bolster their special teams unit by signing long snapper Jake McQuaide, a two-time Pro Bowler with extensive experience in the NFL. While the long snapper position is often overlooked by fans and media, its importance cannot be overstated. In a league where games often come down to a field goal or a critical punt, having a reliable and experienced long snapper is crucial for any team’s success.
Jake McQuaide’s addition to the Bears roster brings stability to a key but sometimes underappreciated role on special teams. Here’s a closer look at McQuaide’s career, what he brings to the Bears, and how this signing can impact Chicago’s overall performance this season.
Jake McQuaide has been a steady presence in the NFL for over a decade. After going undrafted out of Ohio State in 2011, he was signed by the St. Louis Rams (later relocating to Los Angeles), where he quickly established himself as a reliable long snapper. McQuaide’s tenure with the Rams spanned ten seasons, during which he solidified his reputation for precision and consistency, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2016 and 2017.
In 2021, McQuaide joined the Dallas Cowboys, reuniting with special teams coordinator John Fassel, who had previously coached him during their time together with the Rams. During his stint with the Cowboys, McQuaide continued to provide dependable service, playing a vital role in the snapping game for punts, field goals, and extra points.
While the position of long snapper rarely garners the spotlight, McQuaide’s career has been built on the critical ability to consistently deliver accurate snaps under pressure, ensuring that kickers and punters can perform at their best. His experience and skill set make him an asset for any special teams unit, and the Bears are looking to benefit from his steady hand.
To many fans, the role of the long snapper may seem minor compared to the star-studded positions of quarterback or wide receiver, but it plays a pivotal role in the success of a team’s special teams. A bad snap can disrupt a field goal attempt or a punt, leading to costly mistakes that can change the outcome of a game. Conversely, a good snap sets the foundation for a successful kick or punt, ensuring that special teams remain a reliable aspect of a team’s overall performance.
Long snappers need to be precise, quick, and composed. Their job requires them to deliver a perfect spiral to the punter or holder while withstanding the pressure of defenders rushing to block the kick or punt. Consistency is key, and a veteran like McQuaide brings the experience to deliver in high-pressure situations.
The Bears’ decision to sign Jake McQuaide reflects a commitment to improving their special teams and ensuring that the often-overlooked aspects of the game are well-managed. Special teams can be the difference-maker in close games, and the Bears are hoping that McQuaide’s expertise will add a layer of reliability to their kicking game.
By bringing in McQuaide, the Bears secure a player with a wealth of experience who understands the intricacies of special teams play. His presence could have a direct impact on the accuracy and success rate of field goals and punts, particularly in situations where precision is needed most—like the final seconds of a game or in challenging weather conditions that often arise late in the season in Chicago.
Additionally, McQuaide’s experience in high-stakes games, including multiple playoff appearances, can be a calming influence in the locker room. As a player who has been in the league for over a decade, he can also mentor younger players on the team, sharing the habits and mindset required to thrive at the professional level.
The signing of Jake McQuaide comes as the Bears aim to solidify their special teams unit in what has been a season of ups and downs. Special teams coach Richard Hightower has emphasized the importance of having reliable specialists, and adding a two-time Pro Bowl long snapper like McQuaide aligns with that philosophy.
The Bears have seen their share of special teams struggles in recent seasons, with inconsistent performances in the kicking game and a need for more stability in long snapping. Last season, the Bears relied on Patrick Scales as their long snapper, but the addition of McQuaide brings a different level of experience and consistency to the position.
McQuaide’s signing could also have implications for the Bears’ punt and kick coverage. By ensuring clean and quick snaps, he helps the timing of the entire operation, which can be critical in preventing blocked punts and field goals, as well as in setting up successful coverage on punts. Given the thin margin of error in the NFL, any improvement in this area could have a significant impact on the outcome of games.
While the Bears’ struggles this season have centered around issues on both offense and defense, a strong special teams unit can provide a crucial edge in close games. Head coach Matt Eberflus has emphasized the importance of all three phases of the game, and the signing of a player like Jake McQuaide underscores the Bears’ commitment to building a well-rounded team.
In the competitive landscape of the NFL, winning the field position battle and capitalizing on scoring opportunities are vital. Having a long snapper who can consistently deliver accurate snaps is a small but significant part of this equation. By signing McQuaide, the Bears are taking a step toward ensuring that their special teams unit can be a reliable contributor to the team’s overall success.
Jake McQuaide’s signing may not make headlines like a star quarterback or wide receiver acquisition, but it’s a savvy move that addresses a key aspect of the game. For the Chicago Bears, the addition of a two-time Pro Bowl long snapper could make the difference in a tightly contested division and help secure victories in games decided by narrow margins.
As the Bears continue to build toward a brighter future, adding proven veterans like McQuaide to stabilize key roles is a strategic move that could pay dividends as the season progresses. His consistency, experience, and understanding of the game make him a valuable addition to the special teams unit, and his impact could be felt in the most crucial moments of the season. With McQuaide on board, the Bears are hoping that their special teams will be a dependable asset they can count on in the pursuit of victory.