LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The outlook for the Chicago Bears is quite uncertain as they head into the offseason with a pressing need to secure a new head coach. Nonetheless, the team has a silver lining to look forward to: the promising partnership between rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze.
As the latter part of the season unfolded, Williams and Odunze have been showcasing their strong connection on the field, hinting that they could form a dynamic duo for years to come, even amidst potential changes in the roster and coaching staff. “It’s been great,” Williams expressed recently. “Having a young talent like Rome beside me is just fantastic. He’s a remarkable individual and an exceptional player.”
Williams drew attention to the importance of their bond, stating, “Having him here to develop alongside me and building our relationship over the years is crucial, I believe, for the future of the team.” The two athletes previously played for rival colleges, with Williams representing Southern California while Odunze was with Washington. This season, Odunze has made significant contributions, recording 51 receptions for 701 yards and three touchdowns. Notably, he accumulated 455 of those yards during the Bears’ current nine-game losing streak, including four catches for 77 yards in the recent 34-17 defeat against the Detroit Lions.
Reflecting on their synergy, Odunze noted, “Whenever you share the field with an impressive player like Caleb, that boosts your confidence. We really elevate each other’s game. It’s similar to what we’ve seen with players like Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers, who constantly have to prove their partnership on the field.”
Both Williams and Odunze are still navigating the learning curve of professional football. In their latest game, Williams acknowledged a missed opportunity, saying he didn’t deliver the ball to Odunze effectively, resulting in a mishap during an end-around play. Meanwhile, Odunze faced his own setback with a fumble on a screen pass after advancing 20 yards. “I have complete faith in him,” Williams affirmed. “Even after our little miscommunication and his fumble, I made sure to encourage him and let him know I’d come back to him.”
The future landscape of the Bears’ receiving corps becomes a little murky, especially with Keenan Allen’s contract set to expire after this season. However, Odunze seems primed to assume a more significant role, especially with DJ Moore already on the team, and he has earned his quarterback’s trust. “I’ve witnessed his capability firsthand,” Williams remarked. “It’s not just something I’ve seen online; I’ve seen Rome perform live against us in college. His reputation is well deserved, and he consistently delivers.”
The Bears’ passing game shows promise, with Williams having completed 136 of 211 passes — achieving eight touchdowns without any interceptions — and holding a passer rating of 100.9 over the last half-dozen games. Additionally, he has extended his interception-free streak to 326 attempts, marking the sixth-longest streak in NFL history for a single season.
On the flip side, the Bears’ pass defense has become an area of concern, having permitted 865 passing yards and 102 points over the last three games since the termination of head coach Matt Eberflus. Once recognized as a top-10 unit on November 17, their current ranking has plummeted to 23rd.
In the recent matchup against the Lions, Williams had a standout performance, completing 26 of 40 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his total passing yards for the season to 3,271, marking the sixth highest in Bears’ history. Conversely, running back D’Andre Swift struggled, managing only 20 yards on nine carries as the team shifted focus away from the run after trailing. Swift’s chances of reaching a 1,000-yard season are now in jeopardy, as he sits at 841 yards with just two games to go.
Injuries have also impacted the team, with left tackle Braxton Jones ruled out for the season due to an ankle injury sustained during the game, requiring likely surgery. Guard Teven Jenkins is also facing concerns after aggravating a calf injury.
One notable statistic this season is that the Bears have trailed in 14 games. The team will host Seattle Thursday night, marking their final home game for the season.
