Frequently Asked Questions
What is a banana ball in punting?
A banana ball is when a punter kicks the ball so it starts moving in one direction before curving back the other way. It is extremely difficult for returners to track, making it a dangerous weapon on special teams.
How many times has Tory Taylor pulled off the banana ball this season?
Tory Taylor has successfully executed the banana ball twice in six games this season. Both times it resulted in muffed punts by the opposing returner.
What happened when Tory Taylor threw a banana ball against the Falcons?
Taylor's banana ball against Atlanta caused a muffed punt that special teams ace Josh Blackwell recovered for a touchdown. The score gave the Bears a commanding 21-7 halftime lead.
Why did Ryan Poles take so much heat for drafting Tory Taylor?
Poles was criticized because drafting a punter was seen as a waste of a pick when the Bears needed help at running back or defensive back. Conventional wisdom also holds that punters can typically be found on the undrafted free agent market.
Where does Tory Taylor rank among NFL punters this season?
Taylor is in the top 10 for yards per punt for the first time in his NFL career. While he may not be a classic booming punter, he is considered one of the most difficult punters in the league to prepare for because of his unpredictability.
Erik Lambert
I’m a football writer with more than 15 years covering the Chicago Bears. I hold a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and my work on Sports Mockery has earned more than twenty million views. I focus on providing analysis, context, and reporting on Bears strategy, roster decisions, and team developments, and I’ve shared insight on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts in the U.S. and Europe.
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