Overview
- In a 31-27 wild-card win at Soldier Field, Loveland caught 8 of 15 targets for 137 yards and secured a late two-point conversion during a rally from a 21-3 halftime deficit.
- The NFL confirmed he is the first rookie tight end with at least eight receptions and 100 receiving yards in a playoff game, and his 137 yards trail only Keith Jackson for a rookie TE postseason single game.
- His 15 targets led Chicago and put him alongside Rob Gronkowski as the only tight ends age 22 or younger with 10+ targets and 130+ yards in a playoff game, according to an analyst tally.
- After missing spring work with shoulder surgery and a midseason game with a hip issue, Loveland finished the regular season leading the Bears with 58 catches, 713 yards and six touchdowns.
- Williams called the draft choice a “home run,” and coach Ben Johnson said Loveland is “scratching the surface,” as the No. 2 seed prepares to host the divisional round.