Most people focus on the stat sheet for determining if a player is good or not. That is fine. It is the nature of sports. Big numbers usually mean big impact. However, it doesn't always tell the whole story. Colston Loveland hasn't put up big numbers this year. He's been hamstrung by a combination of an injury setback and a lack of consistent targets in the passing game. As a result, Chicago Bears fans have been grumbling that the team may have made a bad pick, even if judging a player after six games is hardly fair.
That said, a closer inspection might reveal something else. While Loveland might not be putting up stats, his impact is still being felt in two ways: situational catches and run blocking. The first instance came last week in Washington when the rookie made a clutch six-yard catch on 3rd down to keep the Bears' game-winning drive alive.
On Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, Loveland reminded everybody that he is far more than just an athletic pass-catcher. He delivered some outstanding blocks for a running game that piled up 222 yards.
Just for good measure, the rookie popped up again when the Bears needed a conversion. Facing 4th and 3, a first down would end the game, allowing Chicago to run out the clock. Rather than go to favorite target Rome Odunze, Williams looked for Loveland, who delivered again.
Colston Loveland may now have the window he's waited for.
Cole Kmet, who has been the primary starter at tight end since the season began, left the game against New Orleans with a back injury. If it's any degree of serious, he will likely miss time. That means Colston Loveland will become a much bigger factor in the game plans moving forward. He's caught eight of the 13 passes thrown his way this season, so he's been good about making the most of his opportunities. It feels like only a matter of time before Ben Johnson builds a plan around feeding him the ball.
Anybody who watched the rookie on tape can see he's open a lot. Not having him be the first read is limiting the chances to exploit this. Loveland isn't complaining. He is finding ways to contribute, as any good player would. The Bears seem ready to increase his workload in the near future.
