The Chicago Bears have a fun debate on their hands as fans attempt to decide whether it will be Rome Odunze or Luther Burden taking the leap and becoming the primary receiver. Burden has unquestionably been the favorite based on clear progression and speed that Ben Johnson greatly values within his offense. However, Odunze deserves more credit and a leavel of udnerstnaidng htat last seaosn's results were limited due to a lingering injury that limited his performance.
Fans have been reminded of this over the last week in camp, as Odunze has made a habit of making great plays and appearing to be the best option on the field. Caleb Williams has had more opportunity to grow his chemistry with Odunze as well, with DJ Moore now in Buffalo and Burden currently sidelined due to injury. This leads us to looking at a recent quote from Ben Johnson via BearsMuse answering whether there needed to be improvements in Odunze's game.
"“Rome is looking to play fast and his super power is being able to make contested catches, I’m not concerned. He’s making plenty of separation and I’m really pleased to see him and Caleb’s ball placement and going up for the ball as needed. I look forward sinking into that.”"Ben Johnson
What Johnson is hinting at here is the factor that will unlock the receiver completely and allow for a breakout season. Caleb Williams is elite at protecting the football and only putting it where his players can make the catch. This was evidenced by only throwing a combined 13 interceptions his first two years in the league.
The obvious downside to this is not taking full advantage of Odunze's ability to make the contested catch and that is what Johnson's comment is pointing to. As Williams continues to work with Odunze through the end of the summer the level of trust will develop and hopefully feed into the regular season in what should be a breakout season.
Ben Johnson points out the Bears must take advantage of Rome Odunze's contested catch ability
There have previously been discussions that Williams needs to let the ball fly a bit more and be willing to take some risks. While this will result in mistakes at times there is also the upside of giving his players more opportunties and that is unquestionably the case for Odunze heading into the 2026 season.
Odunze is a physical player that feeds off making contested plays and being able to fight for the football. Williams is learning this and developing a level of trust that hopefully Johnson is able to take advantage of getting the expected results out of the first round receiver.
Burden being injured is unquestionably frustrating, but at least it has provided the chance for Odunze to be the unquestioned number one option and build trust with his head coach and quarterback. Trust that fans hope to see translate into early 2026 production with both playcaller and quarterback now understanding what needs to be done to have Odunze at his best.
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