The Chicago Bears have had a disappointing season, currently sitting at 4-9. Coming into the year, expectations were that the Bears would be competitive and in contention for a wild card playoff spot. While they have shown flashes of competitiveness in some games, they’ve been blown out far too often. A prime example of this was last week’s blowout loss to the 49ers, where the team struggled from start to finish.
Despite the rough season, one bright spot has emerged — rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze. His performances have provided hope for the future and given fans something to be excited about amid a challenging year.
Through 13 games, Rome Odunze has:
585 receiving yards
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3 touchdowns
10 contested catches on 13 attempts
30 first downs
201 yards after catch
What makes these numbers even more impressive is that he ranks third in targets among Bears wide receivers. Just imagine the impact he could have if he were the team’s first or second option. James Odunze, Rome’s father, shared his thoughts in a quote tweet on Twitter (now X), offering brutal criticism of the Bears offense and an indictment on Shane Waldron’s performance over his nine games with the team.
1,500 https://t.co/GO6SSGlWDv
— JAMES ODUNZE (@JamesOdunze) December 10, 2024
James Odunze might have a point.
Rome’s dad definitely has a valid point. However, breaking into any NFC North team as the No. 1 wide receiver is no easy feat, given the depth of talent in the division. If Rome had been a bigger focal point in the Bears offense early on, it’s reasonable to believe he could have surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in his rookie season. With four games remaining, he would need to deliver some exceptional performances to reach that milestone.
Through 13 games, Rome Odunze has:
585 receiving yards
3 touchdowns
10 contested catches on 13 attempts
30 first downs
201 yards after catchHe is third in targets among Bears wide receivers. pic.twitter.com/oDCaDbTe3x
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 11, 2024
That said, the most important takeaway is the obvious growth and developing chemistry between rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze. Despite a challenging season for Chicago, the future looks promising for this young duo.
Rome’s Dad is right. Rome is an unused superstar.
If our TE was more of a threat in the middle of the field, defenses would have to shade coverage to him and free up a couple shots deep.
I would say he is sometimes. That comes with more experience, I am sure. I agree with you that I would like him to be more aggressive sometimes, but I think that’s the lesser of two evils. All in all, I would say the kid has had an above-average rookie quarterback year. It’s an all-time for the Bears, and it may be the best season ever for a Bears quarterback. He is just getting started. Let’s hope our dysfunction doesn’t ruin him. Good point on time to throw. I would like to see them scheme a few max protects and… Read more »
@Beardown54 Caleb is playing like he has a $50m bonus coming his way if he avoids throwing interceptions, and I imagine (hope??) that is an instruction coming from the coaching staff as opposed to his raw instincts as a pro football player. He’s not throwing into contested situations or “tight windows” (i.e., into coverage). That’s probably a big part of it.
Mr Odunze should be teaching his kid that its a team sport and not about individual stats as a rookie. Or point at DJ Moore quitting mid play and say “dont ever do that son”.