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 valued.
First overall pick Caleb Williams and his high expectations mean the spotlight is on him every time he steps on the field, including in his second preseason appearance on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills.
And while he wowed the crowd in upstate New York with a terrific scrambled touchdown, his first-round teammate, wide receiver Rome Odunze, was also making an impression for Chicago.
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Caleb Williams of the Bears warms up before a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field on August 17, 2024 in Chicago. (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Williams’ biggest pass gain of the preseason so far came on Saturday when he fired the ball far forward to Odunze on the run, gaining 45 yards.
It was a perfect route and a perfect throw that got the Bears going, and Williams nearly gave Odunze his first touchdown of the preseason, but his feet were off the field when he caught the ball later in the drive.
Whatever the case, NFL fans have been able to see what that rookie connection could look like this season, as Williams and Odunze are building a good rapport. The signal caller already knows it will be something special.
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“We’re going to be explosive,” Williams said, via NBC Sports Chicago. “We’re two rookies, but we’re trying to catch up to the old guys as quickly as possible to make sure we’re on par with them to be efficient, to function, to go out there and be explosive, to be on the same page and win games. That’s ultimately what we’re here to do. With a guy like him being drafted with me, we’re only going to continue to grow and build that connection.”
Williams completed 6 of 13 passes for 75 yards on Saturday, including his seven-yard touchdown run, while Odunze caught one of his passes and also completed a 16-yard run.
On draft day, Williams was seen bombarding Odunze’s first interview with the media via Zoom, and since then the two have built a bond on and off the field.
Rome Odunze of the Bears runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field on August 17, 2024 in Chicago. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Many believe the Bears will immediately see increased production and wins as the Williams era begins in the Windy City. Odunze is one of two Pro Bowl veterans, DJ Moore and Keenan Allen at receiver, while tight end Cole Kmet and running back D’Andre Swift are also part of an overall explosive offense.
However, in addition to his speed and contested catching skills, Odunze has particularly demonstrated his route running skills in practice when competing against his teammates.
As long as he and Williams continue to work together on their skills as rookies, they can live up to the high expectations placed on both of them.
Rome Odunze and Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears pose during their induction press conference on April 26, 2024 at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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They have one more preseason game to get their chemistry up and running before facing the Tennessee Titans at home in Week 1.
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