Colston Loveland Is Already Bears' Top Target

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland enjoyed a historic performance in Saturday's come-from-behind 31-27 Wild-Card victory over the Green Bay Packers. Loveland registered eight receptions for 137 receiving yards. He is quickly emerging as Caleb Williams' favorite target.

Loveland accumulated the majority of his production throughout the second half. The Bears entered the third quarter trailing 21-3. They outscored the Packers 28-6 from there, with Loveland recording seven receptions for 115 yards and a critical two-point conversion.

Williams targeted Loveland on 15 occasions. The former Michigan standout has obviously earned the trust of his quarterback. Loveland became the second tight end in NFL history to have a playoff game with at least 10 targets and 130 yards at the age of 22 or younger, joining future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski, according to Jacob Gibbs.

Loveland's two-point conversion narrowed the Packers' lead to 27-24 with 4:18 remaining. Ben Johnson brilliantly showed heavy personnel pre-snap before motioning Loveland out wide for an advantageous one-on-one matchup versus a backup linebacker. Loveland ran a simple speed-out and created ample separation.

Loveland posted the most receiving yards of any pass-catcher on Wild-Card Weekend. He created an average of 3.9 yards of separation per target, according to Next Gen Stats. League average is 2.99 yards. No wonder Williams peppered Loveland with targets.

This 3rd-and-8 conversion from Williams to Loveland arguably kick-started the Bears’ offense. Trailing 21-3 early in the third quarter, Williams stepped up in the pocket under pressure and located Loveland for a 29-yard reception, his longest of the evening. The drive ended with three Bears points and provided them with real belief.

Loveland's 137 yards rank tied for 10th all-time for a tight end in a playoff game, via Stathead. It was the second-most receiving yards by a rookie TE behind Keith Jackson. Loveland's performance was truly legendary.

Loveland's EPA (Expected Points Added) per play was a positive 0.99, per RBSDM. His overall EPA was 5.7. Johnson's offense was most efficient and successful when Loveland was on the field.

It was the continuation of how Loveland concluded the regular season. In Weeks 17 and 18, the athletic tight end recorded 90-plus receiving yards with touchdown catches in consecutive showings. Loveland has been in a groove.

The Bears will now host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in the divisional round. The Rams are considered early favorites despite being the road team. Williams and Johnson may require another big-time performance by Loveland if they're to advance to the NFC Championship Game. If Chris Shula's defense has a weakness, it's in the secondary.

The Bears were mocked and criticized by some for drafting Loveland at 10th overall. The top-10 tight end just made history in the Bears' biggest postseason victory since 2010. Loveland has emerged as Williams' go-to target.