Sun Sep 21 21:50:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Chicago Bears are heavily utilizing “12 personnel” (two tight ends) in their offensive schemes, ranking near the top of the league in usage. However, the production from these tight ends, Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland, has been minimal. Coach Ben Johnson takes responsibility, stating it’s his job to get them more involved. Both Kmet and Loveland have had little consistent production through the play calling of various coaches. Quarterback Caleb Williams acknowledges his role in getting the ball to the tight ends more often. There’s optimism that the connection between Williams and the tight ends will improve, and the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys presents an opportunity for increased production given the Cowboys’ defensive vulnerabilities.
**News Article:**
**Bears’ Heavy Tight End Usage Yields Minimal Results, Coach and QB Vow to Improve**
**Chicago, IL** – The Chicago Bears are among the league leaders in deploying two tight end sets, known as “12 personnel,” yet their highly-paid and highly-drafted tight ends, Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland, have seen little production in the first two games of the season.
Kmet, the seventh-highest-paid tight end in the NFL, and Loveland, a recent top 10 draft pick, have combined for a meager 72 yards and five receptions. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has publicly accepted responsibility for the lack of involvement, stating, “The fact that the tight ends aren’t involved more, that’s a reflection of me more than anybody else.”
Kmet, a veteran, has had little consistency through the play calling of various coaches. Rookie Tight End, Loveland said, “At the end of the day, we’re asked to do whatever we need to do to go win the game, and that’s what we’re going to do, whether that’s run blocking 50 snaps a game or running routes 50 snaps a game, whatever it is, we’ve got to go out there and execute and at the end of the day, get a win.”
Quarterback Caleb Williams also acknowledged his role in the situation, admitting he needs to do a better job of recognizing and utilizing the tight ends in his reads. “Like Ben said, it’s him, but also it’s me when I’m out there on the field being able to drop back see the coverage and maybe pop the ball down to one of those guys even when it’s one of those situations where we’re trying to fight back, get back into the game,” Williams stated.
Despite the initial struggles, there’s optimism that the connection between Williams and his tight ends will improve. Both coach Johnson and Williams expressed confidence in the rapport built during training camp.
The upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys presents a favorable opportunity for Kmet and Loveland to break out, given the Cowboys’ vulnerabilities in pass defense. Loveland noted several open looks in the middle of the field for the Dallas match-up. “I know the first game I missed one to Colston across the middle. But I think over the time, OTAs, training camp and now, our connection has grown. I think we’re on the same page and have the same idea of where I think they should be and where they will be.”
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