One of the most unexpected statistics on the Chicago Bears this year belongs to Rome Odunze. Through seven games, Odunze has 24 receptions on 39 targets, totaling 381 yards. He's averaging 15.9 yards per reception, and has 11 catches for 20 yards or more. He's produced 11 catches for 20 yards or more. By all metrics that don't include the red zone, Odunze's producing.
But he's produced zero touchdowns.
Not the Odunze from last season
Last season, Odunze scored six touchdowns in a season where an injury limited him to only 12 games. He opened the season by becoming the Bears' touchdown machine, catching four touchdowns in the first three games, tying a franchise record. He was the first Bears pass catcher to score in three straight games since 2023.
The end zone was his calling card, and that separated him from nearly every other receiver on the roster. His absence was definitely noticeable. Now, seven weeks deep on this season, and he hasn't found the end zone once.
Part of this is structural. Chicago has the best rushing game in the NFL, D'Andre Swift is earning more and more trust in the red zone. That's how Swift has posted seven touchdowns so far this season. Meanwhile, the touchdown passes that have been thrown have instead found Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III, and Kalif Raymond.
Nothing about Odunze's game has collapsed. The explosive plays are still there, and he's always good for a reliable pair of hands when Caleb Williams and the offense need them most. But a 5-2 team with January ambitions cannot get through the hard part of its schedule with one of their top receivers ever finding the end zone.
Seattle's defense on Monday night would be a good time for him to show signs that his red zone skills are still alive, give the Seahawks excellent ability to stop the run game. When his first touchdown of the season finally comes,it should scare the rest of the NFC.
Chicago has built the league's best rushing game and a 5-2 start without a single score from the most talented receiver on the roster. Add his touchdowns back into this offense and there is no obvious way left to stop it.
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