The Chicago Bears finally had an expected primary receiver this past week, with Rome Odunze setting the tone with six catches for 94 yards; this was the breakout game fans had been hoping for. However, it was noteworthy that for the first time this season, veteran receiver Kalif Raymond was quiet offensively. The pass catcher finished with two catches on two targets for a grand total of six yards. It was a drastic change when you consider that through the first three games of the season, Raymond's worst day was five catches for 40 yards.
With this in mind, it is fair to wonder which is the outlier: whether the first three games were simply a hot start, or if the fourth game of the season was a bump in the road. While fans should expect both Odunze and Luther Burden to be a bit more involved going forward, there is no question that this was an outlier for Raymond.
Working with both Case Keenum and Caleb Williams, it was clear that Raymond had a high level of trust. Both quarterbacks looked for the pass catcher when the game was on the line, and that isn't going to change once Williams is healthy and back in the starting lineup.
Fans should expect Raymond to continue to be a big part of the offense moving forward, with this being the outlier. A lack of chemistry with Tyson Bagent, as well as a huge day from Kyle Monangai, helped explain why Sunday's win was a step back in production.
Bears fans should expect Kalif Raymond to return to consistent production despite quiet Sunday
For Raymond, it is hard to argue against the fact that the pass catcher has found the perfect landing spot. While his former team (Detroit Lions) appears to be heading in the wrong direction, the receiver joined an offense that can feature his ability while contending for the North and a possible Super Bowl run.
No question, Bears fans are feeling impossibly great after watching three different quarterbacks find wins this season and understand there is another level to be found once Williams returns. Raymond has been a big piece of this, taking pressure off Chicago's star receivers and proving the depth of pass catching talent the Bears have currently rostered.
Fans shouldn't view this game as the expectation moving forward, but an outlier for a pass catcher who already has 220 receiving yards and is giving every indication that he will continue to be an important piece of Ben Johnson's offense.
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