Odunze talks learning curve, chemistry, and Colston Loveland at Bears Camp

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 8 hours ago

CHICAGO - Like quarterback Caleb Williams, wide receiver Rome Odunze is basically a rookie this year.

However, the one thing Williams and Odunze may have gotten out of last season was being able to start building chemistry together.

“A year under our belt definitely helps up continue to build that (chemistry) and with a new offense, learning it together and having the knowledge of playing in (an) NFL season and having those games and then putting that into this offense and building the connection that way, I think, is great too just not being two rookies figuring (it) out,” Odunze said. “We kind of have a little bit to base it off now.”

Shane Waldron was a terrible offensive coordinator with a lack of scheme and complexity to the offense. Matt Eberflus did nothing to help the offense. This is ultimately what led to both of them getting fired.

Now, Odunze and the rest of the offense are tasked with learning a highly complex offense in new head coach Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme.

“There’s a style in which the NFL kind of operates when it comes to offense and the execution of it and obviously, last year, it wasn’t up to a standard. But, I think with this coaching staff and with the players we got this year, kind of having that experience from last year, it really allows me to understand what we’re trying to go out there and execute,” Odunze said. “We’re continuing to develop it. We’re continuing to put new things in. So, I feel comfortable with what we’ve put in. I know Ben’s offense isn’t just something that you’re going to completely and totally be encompassed in or (have) full understanding year one. It’s something that takes a little bit of evolving to get there. But, from what they’ve given us and for what has been in the installs and the knowledge that they’ve given us, I feel like I’ve retained it very well. I can go out there and have success within it and execute what they want us to execute. So, I feel very comfortable.”

In the first round of the draft, Odunze got a new teammate to compete with for receptions - tight end Colston Loveland. During his three years in college, Loveland recorded 117 receptions for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns.

While he was not able to practice during rookie minicamp or OTAs due to injury, Loveland has started to be able to participate in training camp, and players like Odunze have taken notice.

“He’s awesome. He’s been great, great in the locker room … It’s been awesome to see. Great hands, very agile, can block,” Odunze said. “So, he’s, I think, everything you desire in a tight end. So, really looking forward to his development and the year he’s going to have.”

Thus far in training camp, the defense has had the upper hand as the offense continues to find its identity. Part of that is because of the complexity of Johnson’s offense and the process to install all of the plays.

However, some of that is also because of how difficult defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s defense is to play against.

“His defense is really good. It’s been challenging going against him every single day, honestly. (He) likes his tall, lengthy corners. So, going against the boys everyday (has) been a challenge and trying to work against them,” Odunze said. “So, those are always challenging there. His rotations, late rotations, early rotations, deceptive, cover twos, two highs are challenging as well. So, trying to read those out has been a challenge … It’s been a great challenge for us. I think it’s helping my development for sure.”