Despite the Chicago Bears coming one game short of reaching the NFC Conference Championship game after losing 20-17 in overtime in the Divisional Round to the Los Angeles Rams, the Bears can hold their heads high knowing they did better than expected.
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With great play from their second-year quarterback Caleb Williams (3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns) and having first-year head coach Ben Johnson as his mentor, the Bears have a solid foundation heading into next season. Another part of that foundation, and another standout from last season, was first-round pick (10th overall) tight end Colston Loveland, who surpassed expectations for this season.
Loveland did so well in his first season in the NFL, catching 713 yards and six touchdowns, that he was named the Bears’ Rookie of the Year, per Bears.com. The Bears’ seventh-round and rookie running back, Kyle Monangai, could have also been considered for the award after rushing for 783 yards and five touchdowns.
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson loves what Colston Loveland brings to the team
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A product of the University of Michigan, Loveland came into the draft with a shoulder injury, which didn’t sway Johnson or the Bears from taking the Idaho native, with Johnson loving Loveland’s work ethic.
“When we drafted him, he was still coming off the injury,” Johnson said to Bears.com. “He really missed the springtime, and in training camp you’re trying to be smart in terms of how you’re acclimating him not just to the offense, but physically making sure his shoulder is good to go. It did take a little bit of time before we built that trust with him. So, a little bit of a slower start early in the year, and then it’s just kind of picked up and it’s clicked for us. He’s one of the first ones in the building every single day. He is always studying his playbook while he’s eating breakfast. He is always the last one off the practice field, doing the JUGS machine. Model of consistency, which for a rookie speaks volumes. As a coaching staff I know we really believe in him, and he is really just scratching the surface of what he’s going to become.”
Loveland had two standout games from last season, with 1. Coming in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he caught a career-high (regular season) 118 yards and two touchdowns, and 2. In the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers, receiving for 137 yards.
With a year under his belt and heading into his second season, Loveland has a chance to be better in his sophomore season. Continuing to grow a rapport with Williams, the Bears are likely the favorites to repeat as champions of the NFC North next season.
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