Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams made headlines when he called out how former head coach Matt Eberflus handled the fall out of the team’s Washington Commanders Hail Mary debacle. Turns out he wasn’t alone in that thought process.
While Williams got most of the buzz, rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze was still a top 10 pick in 2024. The Bears are counting on him to become a focal point in the offense. In turn, he will be crucial in developing the franchise’s culture under new coach Ben Johnson.
Odunze is looking to turn the page and is focused on preparing for what 2025 brings. However, he hasn’t forgotten how bad things got for the Bears in 2024, via Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times.
“I’ve never lost like that before,” Odunze said. “It’s never a feeling that I’m going to get used to or be comfortable with, and [Williams] experienced that same thing.”
“It’s adversity that you have to overcome, and that’s exactly what we’re looking to do now,” Odunze continued. “The excitement for this upcoming season is completely overshadowing anything that happened last year.”
Chicago Bears hit rock bottom
The Bears were 4-2 when they took on the Washington Commanders. They look poised to move to 5-2 as time clicked off the clock. But as cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was taunting the crowd, Noah Brown caught a 52-yard bomb from Jayden Daniels to steal an 18-15 victory.
From there, the Bears absolutely crumbled. Including the Washington loss, Chicago lost 10 straight games. Any momentum the team may have had was completely deflated. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was soon fired and Eberflus soon fired. Eberflus’ firing made for the first time in team history that a coach was relieved of their duties midseason.
For both Williams and Odunze, they were unable to find their footing. Rather than setting the foundation during their rookie seasons, they were immediately thrown into chaos. On the inverse, Daniels went on to have a historic rookie year with the Commanders.
The past is the past, Odunze nor the Bears can change what happened. But the wide receiver won’t forget what losing in that manner felt like and is committed to ensuring it never happens again.
Rome Odunze helps lead Bears revival
As soon as Eberflus was fired, an extensive search took place to find his replacement. Ultimately, Chicago landed on Johnson. Coveted by nearly every team with a vacancy, the Bears were immediately lauded for their hiring. Johnson waited patiently for his head coach opportunity and thought making his debut in the Windy City was the best fit.
The new head coach is expected to bring the offensive firepower that made the Detroit Lions juggernauts during his time as offensive coordinator. But moreso, he gives Williams Odunze that foundation they desperately need. Now they have a head coach and leader they can build off of. Their careers will always be connected and all three have a shared goal of helping the Bears get back on top.
During his rookie season, Odunze caught 54 passes for 734 yards and three touchdowns. While he had flashes of brilliance – like his six catch, 112 yard, one touchdown performance against the Indianapolis Colts – Odunze seemed non-existent in the offense at times. He is expected to take on a much larger role in Johnson’s offense. And if Keenan Allen doesn’t return, which doesn’t seem likely at this stage, Odunze’s responsibilities will only increase.
Odunze may only be entering his sophomore season, but he understands the task at hand. He is tired of the Bears being in the NFL cellar and is ready to prove what Chicago’s new-look team is all about.
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