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Over the past month of the season, the Chicago Bears have gotten major contributions from their top two rookie playmakers, tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III.
In the Week 17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Burden and Loveland paved the way for Chicago's offense, totaling 232 receiving yards and two touchdowns, adding to the dangerous offense and the weapons that quarterback Caleb Williams has at his disposal.
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Neither Burden or Loveland were featured in the first matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 2, but they figure to be a big part of the offense in the regular-season finale at Soldier Field. In his first year with the Bears, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has had plenty of weapons available to him, and he discussed the progression of the two rookies and what he expects them to bring to the offense the rest of this season.
"They've progressed really since they've gotten here," Doyle said. "Early on they had been banged up a little bit and so they didn't have quite full offseasons. They've just done a great job of keeping their head down. I think it's a byproduct of them being very willing and growth oriented. It's an environment that encourages that. Then the position coaches have done a great job with both of those guys staying on them and continuing to push them to grow. It's not something that happens a lot. Yet it's not something outside of the realm when you watch their habits and how they work every single day, and you see them go out and have success on Sunday it ties together. It makes sense."
Chicago surprised some by taking Loveland and Burden with two of their first picks int he 2025 NFL Draft, but it has become clear that Ben Johnson had plans for them in his offense, and the depth at the playmaking positions continues to strengthen.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears OC Declan Doyle praises Colston Loveland and Luther Burden
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