The Chicago Bears' decision to trade D.J. Moore made perfect sense at the time. They would save money, get valuable draft capital, and had a surplus of talent in the pass-catching department, including a potential WR1 in Rome Odunze.
Despite some injury concerns, the Washington product entered the season with a firm chance to be the team's primary playmaker. Even with Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland there, Odunze seemed to be No. 1 in the pecking order.
Fast forward to today, and not only hasn't that been the case, but he hasn't done anything to even throw his name in the hat. He made some big plays late vs. the New England Patriots, but he also showed his worst face.
The Bears need more consistency from Rome Odunze
Odunze entered the league because of his rare blend of physicality, ability to create separation, blocking, and catching skills. He has shown none of that through the first seven games of the season, and he's made some head-scratching mistakes.
He should've had an easy touchdown reception in the first half. He pushed off his defender (and should've been flagged) and then dropped a pass thrown right into his hands. That has been an issue, regardless of who the Bears have had at quarterback.
Then, with the game on the line, he made two HUGE catches, including one to secure a potential game-winning first down. That type of inconsistency is infuriating and frustrating because it shows that he can be a truly special player.
Maybe he's just in his own head. Perhaps he's being self-conscious about every move after the chronic foot injury, and he needs to play with more freedom to be his true playmaking self. Whatever the case, the Bears need more from him.
Fortunately for Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams, the Bears have too much talent on offense. Even when Odunze doesn't show up, there will be someone else to pick up the slack and keep the chains moving. But that was supposed to be him.
Through seven games, the former first-round pick is up to just 24 receptions on 38 targets for 381 yards, no touchdowns, and one fumble lost. That's an average of merely 54.4 receiving yards per contest.
It's still early, and the Bears had some late bloomers in the passing game last season. But for now, it looks like he must get out of his own head if he wants to cash in on a lucrative deal once his rookie contract runs out.
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