Traditional NFL offenses over the years had a hierarchy. There was the tight end who was the primary receiving option and the one who was the blocker. The Chicago Bears followed this approach like everybody else. Few teams even bothered trying to toy with the idea of having two tight ends who could be legitimate passing targets. However, that started changing around the start of the 2010s. San Francisco flirted with it when they had Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker. Then New England exploited it with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. For the first time, it feels like the Bears can duplicate that plan with Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland.
Former tight end Clay Harbor believes the pairing complements each other so well. In fact, he believes one of the most productive tight end duos of the past decade is their spitting image.
Zach Ertz and Brent Celek joined in 2013 and spent five seasons together, capping the run with a Super Bowl victory in 2017. Across the first three years, they combined for 3,264 yards and 19 touchdowns. It’s hard not to wonder how much better it might’ve been if they’d had more stability at quarterback rather than the trio of Nick Foles, Marc Sanchez, and Sam Bradford.
Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland have time on their side.
Keep in mind, Celek was approaching 30 when he and Ertz came together. Their relationship was already on borrowed time. It could be different for Chicago. Cole Kmet is still only 26 years old. Loveland is 21. They can stay together for a long time if health and money permit. There are already signs that head coach Ben Johnson plans to weaponize them with loads of “12” personnel, ensuring both are on the field together. Loveland is making plays constantly in practice. Kmet is earning tons of praise from the coaching staff. They also may have stability at quarterback with Caleb Williams. Harbor might be correct. This tandem has a chance to duplicate or even exceed what Ertz and Celek accomplished a decade ago.
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