Optimism is hard to come with the Chicago Bears offense. National experts sneer whenever they have to discuss the topic. They believe the new regime led by GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have hung quarterback Justin Fields out to dry. They didn’t do enough to fix the offense this off-season, leaving the young man with no weapons and no protection. Darnell Mooney is the only viable option they have in the passing game, and he’s no better than a #3 option on most teams. Coaches have insisted that not enough attention gets paid to Cole Kmet.
It is a fair point. The former 2nd round pick went over 600 yards receiving last season, almost tripling the numbers from his rookie year. He ranked 12th among all tight ends. One would think he’d get some proper respect for such improvement. The problem is he failed to catch a touchdown pass. Many people hold that against him. Matt Bowen of ESPN isn’t one of them. The former defensive back has high expectations for Kmet, calling him one of the likely breakout candidates for 2022.
“Kmet has been my offseason sleeper at the position due to an anticipated increase in red zone volume. Last season, Kmet saw a total of just six end zone targets and didn’t record a single touchdown reception. Look for those numbers to climb this year with the departure of veteran tight end Jimmy Graham and the Bears’ lack of a true post-up target in scoring position. Remember, Kmet caught 60 of 93 targets last season, mostly on schemed play-action, inside seams and unders. We will see more of that this year, especially when quarterback Justin Fields gets to the edge. And if the scoring production jumps, Kmet has a shot to post TE1 numbers.”
He has well-earned experience at the position. Jimmy Graham is no longer in the picture, so Kmet is the undisputed TE1. His connection with Fields is obvious from their training camp practices and their strong work in the second preseason game against Seattle. Even better, he is no longer trapped in Matt Nagy’s nonsensical offense. Luke Getsy brings the outside-zone with him from Green Bay. That scheme has a long history of elevating tight ends to success.
Everything points to a big year. Bowen is correct. If Cole Kmet stays healthy, this season might be a big one for him. The timing couldn’t be better. Next off-season will be around the standard time to discuss a contract extension. Poles wants to reward in-house talent. Presuming Kmet steps up, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Bears lock him up long-term by next spring. That would be a welcome moment of silence from the doubters.
