It’s no secret that the Chicago Bears could have used a win to cap off the season against the Detroit Lions, and Ben Johnson knows that.
“I was not pleased with the offense today,” Johnson said after the loss. “We can’t dig ourselves in a hole like that. I was disappointed with the offense as a whole. I let those guys know that. And we’ll be better for it.”
Now, rookie tight end Colston Loveland revealed the exact message Johnson had not just for the offense, but the entire team.
Colston Loveland Reveals Ben Johnson’s Message to the Team Ahead of the Playoffs
GettyColston Loveland #84 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers with quarterback Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears during the second quarter of the game.
According to Loveland, Johnson made it clear the team’s mindset should be on the playoffs and the playoffs alone.
“After the (Lions) game, he said, if you’re not prepared to play the next five weeks or if you’re thinking about anything else – thinking about booking a flight, vacations, or anything – don’t come in. He made it very clear about what’s at stake and what this team is looking for.”
It’s the right mindset to have, especially since the Bears have to face the Green Bay Packers.
Caleb Williams, for one, is already expressing his confidence heading into the playoffs, stating, “I think I am built for these moments mentality wise how I’ve worked. I’ve been in a bunch of big games before and a bunch of big rival games. In those moments and in these moments, I think I can provide a spark for the team. I think I can do whatever my team needs me to do.”
And a major reason for Williams’ ultra-confidence this season is thanks to Loveland, who’s become a major weapon in the Bears’ offense.
Loveland Expected to Be a Key Part of Bears’ Playoff Push
After having a slow start to the season, Loveland finished the regular season leading the team with 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns.
“He knows what to do,” Johnson said. “He’s got outstanding hands. He works his tail off. He’s usually the first one on the practice field. He’s usually the last one to leave. There’s been an immense trust level, and his route tree has grown accordingly.”
Among rookie pass catchers from Week 9 onward, Loveland ranks first in the following categories:
- Receptions (47)
- Receiving yards (597)
- Receiving touchdowns (6)
- EPA on targets (41.8)
If the Bears want any chance of beating the Packers on Saturday, they’ll have to continue to heavily incorporate Loveland in the gameplan.
As the Bears prepare for the playoff match against Green Bay, Johnson leaves another message emphasizing he knows that they have to “make the most” of this opportunity.
“This was the vision from the beginning – to have some home playoff games at Soldier Field. I was really excited about that opportunity and to see that come to light this year, it’s a big credit to the guys. The fact that you win the division, you have home playoff games, that’s huge. That’s why we do what we do. Now we’ve earned this opportunity and we’ve got to make the most out of it.”
Bears vs. Packers. Soldier Field Saturday night. Johnson wouldn’t want it any other way.
Bears’ TE Colston Loveland Shares Ben Johnson News Ahead of Playoffs