Rome Odunze has been everywhere for the Bears this season except the end zone.
Through seven games, the Chicago receiver has 24 catches on 39 targets for 381 yards, and the big-play production is still showing up. He’s averaging 15.9 yards per reception and has 11 grabs of 20 yards or more. In every way that matters outside the red zone, Odunze has been delivering.
The one missing piece is the touchdown.
That’s a sharp turn from last season, when Odunze scored six times despite being limited to 12 games by injury. He came out fast, catching four touchdowns in the first three games and tying a franchise record.
He also became the first Bears pass catcher to score in three straight games since 2023. Back then, the end zone was his signature.
This year, it’s been a different story. Seven weeks in, Odunze still hasn’t scored.
It hasn’t been because his game has fallen apart. The explosive plays are still there, and Caleb Williams can still count on him for dependable hands when the offense needs a conversion.
The bigger issue is how Chicago’s offense is built right now. The Bears have the best rushing game in the NFL, and D’Andre Swift is earning more and more trust near the goal line.
That’s helped Swift pile up seven touchdowns already.
When Chicago has thrown touchdowns, they’ve gone to Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III, and Kalif Raymond instead.
That makes Monday night against Seattle feel like a natural chance for Odunze to remind everyone what he can do in scoring territory. The Seahawks have excellent ability to stop the run game, which could open the door for Chicago’s passing attack to work closer to the goal line.
The Bears have reached 5-2 without a touchdown from one of their most dangerous receivers. If Odunze starts cashing in again, the offense suddenly looks even harder to deal with.
In Other News...
Bears Face A Monday Night Problem Caleb Williams Can't Ignore
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For Chicago, that makes Caleb Williams a central figure in the matchup, because Ben Johnson is clearly spending time getting his offense ready for the different looks Seattle can throw at him. Emmanworis versatility is the kind of issue that can muddy protections and force a young quarterback to process fast, and it is exactly the sort of challenge the Bears cannot afford to ignore in Week 8. [Read more 🡒]
Caleb Williams Is Creating A Bears Dilemma Fans Can't Ignore
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Ryan Poles has already made major bets on this roster, from acquiring Jeffery Simmons to locking up Darnell Wright, and those moves were made with the idea of keeping Chicago competitive now. The harder part comes when Williams moves closer to his next deal, because the better he plays, the more expensive the future gets, and the Bears may soon have to find a way to pay their quarterback without stripping away the support that helped him get here. [Read more 🡒]
Bears O-Line Just Got Called Out Ahead Of Caleb Williams Test
Byron Murphy II is already circling Monday nights matchup with the Bears, and the Seahawks defensive tackle made it clear why. Chicagos ground game and offensive line have earned respect around the league, and Murphy pointed to the challenge of dealing with a unit that can move people at the point of attack while also keeping Caleb Williams upright. For a Seattle front that has been solid against the run, this is the kind of early-season measuring stick that can tell you a lot about where both teams stand.
Murphys recent play has helped fuel the confidence in Seattles interior defense, but the Bears bring a different kind of test because of how much they can lean on the run and how quickly Williams can change the math if protection breaks down. Chicagos line will be under the microscope in prime time, especially with the Seahawks looking to disrupt rhythm early and force the game into obvious passing situations. It is the sort of matchup that can expose weaknesses fast, and Murphy sounds eager to make sure the Bears feel that pressure from the opening snap. [Read more 🡒]