At the onset of the season, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson faced some criticism regarding the underutilization of tight ends Cole Kmet and rookie first-round pick Colston Loveland in the team’s offensive scheme. Recently, however, that narrative has begun to shift as the duo gains traction.
While Kmet has experienced a slower start this season, Loveland is emerging as a promising component of the Bears’ offense, demonstrating why the team chose him over Tyler Warren in the NFL Draft. Loveland has now posted three successive games with at least 40 receiving yards, highlighted by an impressive performance against the Cincinnati Bengals where he amassed 118 yards and two touchdowns, including the decisive score that secured the win.
In last week’s 19-17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, both Kmet and Loveland recorded at least 40 receiving yards for the first time this season. Kmet caught five passes for 45 yards, while Loveland tallied three receptions for 40 yards. This newfound synergy is particularly encouraging as the Bears prepare to face a Pittsburgh Steelers team that is struggling defensively against tight ends.
This season, the Steelers’ defense has notably faltered in covering tight ends, allowing a staggering 68 receptions for 687 yards and seven touchdowns. In contrast, the Bears’ tight ends, Kmet and Loveland, have combined for 40 receptions totaling 521 yards and three touchdowns thus far. Loveland stands out with 24 catches for 329 yards and two touchdowns, while Kmet contributes with 16 receptions for 192 yards and one touchdown.
Despite Kmet’s declining production over the past two seasons, he still has the potential to become one of the top pass catchers for the Bears if given more opportunities. His blocking abilities in both the passing and running game have been invaluable, further showcasing his importance to the team’s offensive strategy.
As the Bears gear up to face the Steelers, there is a sense of optimism surrounding Kmet and Loveland. With a vulnerability in Pittsburgh’s defense against tight ends, both players are positioned for breakout performances, which could be crucial for the Bears as they look to build momentum in the second half of the season.