Over the years, the Chicago Bears have struggled to put together a productive pairing of quarterback and wide receiver, which is equivalent to quantum physics. They can’t seem to get it right, but that doesn’t mean it’s never happened. Jim McMahon and Willie Gault made some magic at times in the 1980s. The same was true for Erik Kramer and Curtis Conway in the mid-1990s. However, most will agree that Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall were the best tandem of the modern era for the Bears.
Chicago traded for the Pro Bowl receiver in 2012, reuniting him with the quarterback he came into the league with in Denver. They were only together for three seasons in Chicago, but it was prolific. It amounted to 279 receptions for 3,524 yards and 31 touchdowns. Their chemistry was undeniable. Sadly, Marshall’s erratic personality and some issues with the coaching staff led to the receiver getting traded in 2015. However, a decade later, Adam Jahns of CHGO believes the Bears have finally found the next iteration of that pairing.
Odunze is tied for the league lead with four touchdowns this season. He’s also accounted for 27 of Williams’ 95 targets.
Justin Fields’ chemistry with DJ Moore during the 2023 season was promising. But expectations for Williams and Odunze should be set higher. Think Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall.
The Chicago Bears may have a more stable version of Cutler-to-Marshall.
Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze arrived together in 2024 as 1st round picks. Since then, they have connected 70 times for 961 yards and seven touchdowns. What stands out is that 227 of those yards and four of those touchdowns have come in just the past three games. It is becoming clear that the two are locked in. Odunze is on pace for over 1200 yards and 22 touchdowns. What is scary about this is that both players don’t suffer from the drawbacks their predecessors did. Williams isn’t as reckless with the ball as Cutler was. Odunze is far more emotionally stable than Marshall was. The talent is on equal footing. Unlike the latter two, this new pairing has Ben Johnson calling the shot on offense. His capability exceeds what Lovie Smith and Marc Trestman offered years ago.
