What's Going On With the Chicago Bears Passing Game?
Coming into the 2026 season, there was plenty of excitement surrounding the Chicago Bears' group of pass catchers.
Rome Odunze was expected to continue developing into a legitimate No. 1 option. Luther Burden III entered his second season with expectations of becoming a bigger part of the offense. Meanwhile, Colston Loveland was viewed as a potential breakout candidate after showing plenty of promise last season.
Two games into the season, however, the production has not matched the expectations.
Odunze has five receptions on seven targets for 95 yards, Burden has eight receptions on 12 targets for 95 yards and Loveland has just one reception on five targets for three yards through two games. On paper, those numbers are underwhelming for a group expected to play such an important role in the Bears' offense.
But before Bears fans start sounding the alarm, there is important context behind those numbers.
The Bears Haven't Needed to Throw vs Carolina
One of the biggest reasons for the lack of production is relatively simple: Chicago has not had to rely heavily on its passing game.
Against Carolina, the Bears' rushing attack was extremely effective. When the run game is consistently moving the football, there is naturally less reason to put the ball in the air, particularly when it comes to taking chances on explosive plays.
That means fewer targets and fewer opportunities for the wide receivers.
For Odunze, Burden and Loveland, that lack of volume makes it difficult to build significant statistical production, even if they are doing their jobs within the offense.
If you're wondering why Kalif Raymond was targeted more in the passing game, it was because he has been a reliable third-down target. Luther Burden, meanwhile, was more effective against Carolina because he was able to make an impact in the quick game.
Minnesota Took Away the Passing Game
Speaking of the Minnesota game, that matchup presented another challenge entirely.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores came into the game looking to pressure Caleb Williams, and that pressure made it difficult for the Bears quarterback to consistently get the football to his receivers.
On top of that, the weather did not exactly create ideal conditions for a passing attack.
That combination resulted in a difficult environment for Chicago's pass catchers.
It is difficult for a receiver to produce when the quarterback does not have enough time for routes to develop. That is particularly important for a young offense still trying to establish its passing identity.
But how do you get more out of the pass game long term?
Rome Odunze Needs More Downfield Opportunities
Odunze's skill set makes his slow statistical start somewhat understandable.
The Bears' young receiver is at his best when he can use his size and ball skills to make plays downfield and win contested catches.
But those opportunities become much harder to find when Chicago is not throwing frequently or when pressure prevents those routes from fully developing.
Odunze has still managed to produce 95 yards on just five receptions, showing that he can make an impact when the ball comes his way.
The next step is getting him more opportunities.
Luther Burden Needs the Ball in His Hands
Burden presents a completely different challenge for opposing defenses.
The second-year receiver's ability to create yards after the catch means that volume is especially important. Burden does not necessarily need to catch 40-yard bombs to have an impact. Give him the football in space and he can create additional yardage himself.
He currently leads the trio in receptions with eight, but the lack of overall passing volume has limited his opportunities to make those explosive plays after the catch.
His 95 receiving yards through two games show that he is already contributing. The Bears simply need to find more ways to get him involved.
Colston Loveland Is the Biggest Concern
If there is one player whose lack of production stands out, it is Loveland.
Coming into the season, Loveland was viewed by many as a potential breakout candidate. His combination of size, speed and route-running ability, along with the production he showed last season, suggested that he could become one of the most important pieces of Chicago's passing attack.
Instead, he has just one reception for three yards through two games.
There are certainly circumstances that explain the overall lack of passing production. The Bears simply have not thrown the ball enough to give their pass catchers significant opportunities.
Still, Loveland was expected to be more than just another piece of the offense, and the Bears need to find ways to get him involved.
Whether that means moving him around the formation, creating more opportunities off play action or simply making a greater effort to get him the football, Loveland's involvement should be something to watch closely moving forward.
Ben Johnson Has to Find the Balance
The Bears' rushing attack has given this offense a strong foundation, but the passing game cannot remain an afterthought.
It is too early to panic after just two games, especially given the limited passing opportunities against Carolina and the pressure Minnesota generated. But eventually, Chicago will face teams capable of slowing down the run.
When that happens, the Bears will need Odunze to make plays downfield, Burden to create after the catch and Loveland to become the matchup problem many expected him to be.
The talent is there. Now, Ben Johnson needs to find ways to consistently get the ball into his playmakers' hands.
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