Chicago Bears special team ace already nearing season-long goal

When the Chicago Bears have the ball, they want to end every drive in the end zone. But if Chicago is forced to punt, opposing teams must contend with the leg of Tory Taylor.

Through the first six weeks of the season, Taylor’s 49.3 yards per punt ranks ninth-best in the NFL. When given the opportunity, the punter is capable of flipping field position instantly, making things trickier on any opponent.

During the 2026 season, Taylor has been using his patented “banana ball.” With plenty of hang time to boot, the football’s winding trajectory makes it difficult for returners to field the punt. It also is utilized in an effort to force more turnovers.

What is this “banana ball” Ben Johnson is talking about?

Look at the angle Tory Taylor strikes this punt. It starts outside towards the sideline, but then comes all the way back inside the hashes. Hard to track, especially with this kind of hang time. Huge play. pic.twitter.com/X5CCeOJqea

— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) September 14, 2026

After forcing a fumble out of then Carolina Panthers receiver Jimmy Horn in Week 1, Taylor broke out the banana ball again in Week 6. As expected, the chaotic punt caught another victim.

Chicago Bears’ Tory Taylor wants more fumbles

This time, it was Atlanta Falcons receiver Zachariah Branch. Fumbling on his own 10-yard line, the Bears were immediately in business. Chicago would cash in with a two-yard run three plays later.

For Taylor, everything went according to plan. He called his shot and saw the second quarter punt as the perfect opportunity to go into his bag of tricks, via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

“I caught him,” Taylor said. “Honestly I feel like there are a lot of young kids that come into the league and they’re obviously pretty nervous back there. I said, ‘Screw it, I’ll hit one here.’”

Taylor’s goal entering the 2026 season was forcing three muffed punts. Through only 17 attempts, he already has two. The banana ball will remain a lethal threat in the punter’s arsenal.

“That No. 2,” Taylor said proudly. “I am trying to get three this year.”

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