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.
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”.
When your offensive line can only block for 2.4 seconds you can’t expect your WRs to rack up a lot of yards through the air. They need to rely on YAC to get their stats because the QB has to get rid of the ball before anything beyond short yardage develops.
So, yes, there are scheme issues. And there are definitely OL and even QB issues. But, until the OL can block long enough, consistently, for the intermediate and long routes to develop, make a defender miss.
Or better yet, make two of them miss.
I do not understand why they haven’t game planned for 2 50/50 balls per game to Rome.
Anytime he has single coverage, throw a jump ball to him. I think I have seen it 2-3 times this year. The dude can track balls and high-point them. It’s baffled me all year long.
@David It appears that you are not the only one extremely jealous of my budding new relationship with Skye. I guarantee you RoosterRider thinks about me several times a day and before he goes to sleep at night. If I showed him my pic, he would have me in his dreams as well, really. Best Wishes, Skylar.
What does Kmet’s neighbor’s gardeners cousin say though? Means as much as this drivel.