The Chicago Bears spent valuable draft capital on two top-10 picks in April and are already starting to show why they were so highly rated.
No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and his lofty expectations have all the bright lights shining on him every time he steps on the field, including Saturday against the Buffalo Bills in the team’s second preseason game.
While he scored a spectacular scrambling touchdown that thrilled the upstate New York crowd, fellow first-round teammate, wide receiver Rome Odunze, also made a big impact for Chicago.
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Bears’ Caleb Williams warms up before a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field on Aug. 17, 2024 in Chicago. (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Williams’ largest gain on a passing play this preseason came Saturday, when he fired the ball deep down the field while running and found Odunze for a 45-yard gain.
It was the perfect route and the perfect pass that fired up the Bears. Williams nearly set up Odunze for his first touchdown of the preseason, but Odunze’s feet were not in bounds when he caught the ball later in the drive.
Either way, NFL fans got to see what a rookie chemistry between Williams and Odunze could be like this season as they continue to build a rapport, and the point guard already knows it’s going to be something special.
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“We’re going to explode,” Williams said, via NBC Sports Chicago. “We’re rookies, but we want to catch up with the veterans as quickly as possible and be on par with them and be efficient, functional, explosive and on the same page and win games. That’s what we’re here for. Having a guy like this drafted with me, we’re just going to continue to grow and continue to build this bond.”
Williams completed 6-of-7 passes for 75 yards and a seven-yard touchdown run on Saturday, while Odunze caught one pass and rushed for 16 yards.
On draft day, Williams was enthusiastic about Odunze’s first interview with the media via Zoom, and the two have since formed a bond on and off the field.
Rome Odunze of the Bears runs with the ball during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field on Aug. 17, 2024 in Chicago. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Many believe the Chicago Bears will see an immediate improvement in both production and wins as the Williams era begins. Odunze is one of two Pro Bowl veterans in receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, while tight end Cole Kmet and running back D’Andre Swift are also part of an overall explosive offensive team.
But Odunze especially showed off his route-running ability, along with his speed and ability to compete for the catch, when playing against teammates in practice.
As long as he and Williams continue to hone their skills together as rookies, they will be able to live up to the high expectations placed on them.
Rome Odunze and Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears pose during their induction press conference at Halas Hall on April 26, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Michael Reeves/Getty Images)
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They have one more preseason game to get that chemistry going before facing the Tennessee Titans at home in Week 1.
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