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  • The Mirror US

    Rome Odunze responds to Shane Waldron criticism after Caleb Williams masterclass

    By Charlie Wilson,

    8 hours ago

    Caleb Williams quietened any doubters after his shaky first few games in his rookie season with a dominant performance in week six - as the Chicago Bears cruised to a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

    Williams threw for 226 yards, completing 23-of-29 passes for four touchdowns and one interception while spreading the ball out to eight different receivers throughout the game. It was the type of game that Bears fans had been hoping to see from their offense after making some big moves this offseason to improve - most notably with their first two draft picks in Williams (first overall) and Rome Odunze (ninth overall).

    With the sheer firepower in exciting playmakers and a generational prospect at quarterback, pressure had been on offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to immediately have the Bears offense looking unstoppable... but that had not been the case through the first four games. Chicago had been below average offensively, with analysts criticizing Waldron for his playcalling.

    In the last two weeks, though, Waldron's offense has scored 71 points and has begun to look incredibly exciting - with some eye-catching plays that have had defensive fooled and worked to Williams' strengths.

    Odunze had never doubted that we'd see this, and has stated why he and Williams could not have landed in a better place than in Chicago's offense.

    Speaking exclusively to Mirror US Sports , Odunze said: "I think being in the situation we're in with the Bears, it's awesome. We're both just getting started. I think Shane, this offensive staff as a whole, and all the components player-wise within it is very complimentary to one another. I think we're starting to get to that phase where we're firing on all cylinders. If we can continue to do that and get better and better every single week, I think the sky's the limit for us.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3EFS12_0w6XbT2l00

    "It was huge for Caleb today. Obviously, we're not surprised to see this from him. He shows it in practice all the time, but being able to get that into the game was big. It's something that sees us continue to build chemistry and confidence between everybody on the team. To see those things go through and continue to build, I think it's important for the team."

    The Bears had taken a risk in the NFL Draft , selecting two offensive skill players without bolstering their offensive line or defense. The selection of Williams had always been a no-brainer - seen as a generational quarterback prospect and the best player in the class.

    But selecting Odunze had been one that was criticised. While an incredible prospect, Odunze had been a receiver that many felt that the team did not need - already having two legitimate number one options in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen in the team.

    However, Odunze is already showing that the Bears made the right choice - having 249 yards and a touchdown in his first six games - being second on the team in targets and third in yards.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0T53Hz_0w6XbT2l00

    While in a crowded receiver room, one that might hurt his stats with so many moves to feed, Odunze has no issues with the fact that he might not get the targets that he'd like this season - but sees it as a huge positive that he gets to play, and learn, from two of the best in the game.

    He said: "Playing with those two guys has been awesome and so beneficial for me. I think I'm the type of receiver that garnishes confidence from the room as a whole.

    "Having a guy like DJ Moore, having a guy like Keenan Allen, and the rest of the room as a whole... I think we all know that no matter who is out there, they can all make a play at any moment. There's so much talent on the field at the receiver position and I get to learn from them and practice every day. I see it as a blessing."

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