Is Colston Loveland's Slow Start Cause for Concern?

Loveland has 13 receptions on 23 targets for 110 yards and zero touchdowns through five games. He has played 85% of the Bears' offensive snaps, the most of any player outside the starting offensive line.

Yes, through his first six games as a rookie Loveland had just 11 receptions for 116 yards and zero touchdowns. He then exploded over his final 10 regular-season games with 47 receptions for 597 yards and six touchdowns, carrying that momentum all the way through the playoffs.

The Bears have passed on just 43% of their red-zone plays, with 10 of their 14 offensive touchdowns coming on the ground. Loveland has accounted for six of Chicago's seven red-zone targets to tight ends but has yet to find the end zone, including a catch that was overturned after replay showed he was inches short of the goal line.

Loveland has logged 187 passing snaps and run 152 routes compared to Kmet's 104 passing snaps and 68 routes through five games. Despite running more than twice as many routes as Kmet, Loveland has only 110 receiving yards compared to Kmet's 56.

Williams is expected to return for the Bears' game against Atlanta, which should bring some stability after the team has cycled through Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum. The Falcons rank 24th in receptions and 21st in receiving yards allowed to opposing tight ends per game, making it a favorable matchup for Loveland and Williams to rebuild their chemistry.