Bears’ Rookies Get a Taste of the Packers Rivalry-and Keep Producing
Week 14 in the NFL brought the Chicago Bears face-to-face with their oldest and fiercest rival-the Green Bay Packers. And while the scoreboard didn’t swing in Chicago’s favor, the team’s rookie class showed once again that they’re not just along for the ride-they’re helping steer the ship.
With top wideout Rome Odunze sidelined by a foot injury, the door swung open for fellow rookie Luther Burden III to step into a bigger role. And he didn’t waste the opportunity.
Luther Burden III: The Lone Bright Spot in the Air
Let’s be clear: Chicago’s passing game struggled. The offense averaged just 4.9 yards per attempt, and explosive plays were few and far between.
But Burden stood out. He hauled in four catches for 67 yards, and while that stat line might not jump off the page, context matters.
He was the only consistent threat through the air, and his ability to create yards after the catch kept drives alive that otherwise might’ve stalled out.
Burden’s route-running was sharp, and his timing with Caleb Williams continues to improve. In a game where the Bears' offense often looked out of sync, Burden looked like he belonged-and looked like a player who’s only going to get better.
Colston Loveland: Mr. Reliable
Tight end Colston Loveland didn’t have a flashy day, but he was exactly what the Bears needed when things broke down. Four catches for 29 yards doesn’t scream headline material, but Loveland filled a crucial role as a safety valve underneath. When the pocket collapsed-and it did often-Williams found Loveland as a steady outlet.
He wasn’t a red zone factor this week, but his presence in the short passing game helped keep the offense on schedule. That kind of reliability from a rookie tight end is rare, and it’s becoming a consistent part of Loveland’s weekly contribution.
Kyle Monangai: Steady and Tough on the Ground
On the ground, Kyle Monangai continued to prove he’s more than just a depth piece. Splitting duties with D’Andre Swift, Monangai carried the ball 14 times for 57 yards. Again, nothing flashy-but in a game where offensive rhythm was hard to come by, Monangai’s physical running style helped settle things down.
He ran with purpose, picking up tough yards and keeping the offense from becoming one-dimensional. The Bears finished with 138 rushing yards overall, and Monangai’s share of that total showed why the coaching staff continues to trust him in key situations.
The Bigger Picture
The loss to Green Bay stings-no question. Rivalry games always do, especially when the offense struggles to find answers.
But if you’re looking for silver linings, the play of Chicago’s rookies is a good place to start. They weren’t just filling in-they were producing, even as the offense around them sputtered.
With the playoff picture still murky and several winnable games left on the schedule, the Bears have a chance to build some momentum. And if this rookie class keeps trending upward, they might be the reason Chicago finishes the season stronger than it started.
The foundation is being laid. Now it’s about stacking performances-and these rookies are showing they’re ready for the challenge.