The Chicago Bears’ 19-17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium didn’t feature the offensive production that had been featured in previous weeks.
Going into the Week 11 matchup, the Bears averaged 26.5 points per game and fell short of that mark. The offense scored just one touchdown and converted seven of 18 third-down attempts.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores heavily blitzed, which impacted the Bears’ offense. To combat the blitz, the Bears used their tight ends more in the passing game against the Vikings than in any other game this season.
Cole Kmet shined with Colston Loveland with strong games for the Bears
Bears tight ends finished with nine receptions on 12 targets for 93 yards. The previous high for targets to tight ends was nine, which occurred in Weeks 4 and 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals.
Cole Kmet led the Bears with his five receptions for 45 yards, and the veteran tight end served as a safety blanket for Caleb Williams when the Vikings blitzed off the edge.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson was asked about Kmet’s play during his Zoom press conference.
“I thought Cole played one of his best games he has so far this year,” Johnson said. “I get he caught a couple more balls, but I'm not even talking about that. He's great in the running game and then pass pro we put him in some tough matchups there on some of their defensive end or outside linebacker types, and I thought he did an outstanding job throughout that. When he was a ball carrier, you felt his presence out there. He was lowering his shoulder, he was stiff-arming. He brought our sideline to life a couple of times.”
Rookie tight end Colston Loveland caught three passes for 40 yards, including a 24-yard reception on third-and-13. Durham Smythe caught one pass for eight yards on three targets.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Bears’ tight ends also finished with positive run blocking grades: Loveland (67.1), Kmet (69.2), and Smythe (62.4).
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Although the offense must make noticeable improvements after the win over the Vikings, the tight ends' involvement in the overall game plan is something Johnson should continue to develop in the second half of the regular season.