SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Whoever coaches the Bears next should sketch out a starring role for wide receiver Rome Odunze. A quick learner and dynamic athlete, Odunze has emerged as a focal point of the passing game toward the end of his rookie season.
He had four catches for 42 yards and two touchdowns in the team’s 38-13 loss to the 49ers as quarterback Caleb Williams tried to get the Bears back in the game. The team’s vision of drafting Williams and Odunze together and pairing them for the long run is materializing.
“We’ve got to put things together to win games, but we’re always growing,” Odunze said.
The Bears got their first points when Williams hit Odunze on a four-yard pass in the third quarter. He threw high to the back right corner of the end zone, Odunze leaped above cornerback Charvarius Ward for the catch and got both feet down just before going out of bounds.
“Saw it opening it up and made a play on it,” Odunze said. “Perfect throw in the back of the end zone, and I was able to get the toe drag.”
With four games left, Odunze ranks sixth among Bears rookies with 585 yards receiving. He needs 46 yards to catch Darnell Mooney (631 in 2020) for fifth.