It’s been an up and (mostly) down first half for the Chicago Bears during their divisional matchup against the Detroit Lions as they trail 28-14 after one half, but there has been a bright spot from their two 2024 first-round picks. Quarterback Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze seem to have finally developed a strong connection on the field, and it’s showing.
Williams has completed 14-of-19 passes for 136 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception through one half. His play has been solid, but it’s been stellar when he’s targeting Odunze. 82 of Williams’ 136 yards have gone to Odunze, including both touchdown passes. Odunze is getting loose in the Lions’ secondary, and Williams knows just where to find him. The duo have connected five times on six targets up to this point.
Odunze’s first touchdown grab came on a crossing route, where he was wide open and had plenty of field to work with. He made one man miss by cutting right into the end zone. His second score was off play action, where Williams rolled left and found the receiver for a six-yard pass.
.@RomeOdunze makin’ it look easy 😮💨
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/S0IeKmW6M3
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 14, 2025
Second of the day for @RomeOdunze ‼️
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/B2KJUfh52t
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 14, 2025
Odunze has been much more involved in the offensive gameplan this year compared to his rookie season. He has already matched his touchdown total from a year ago (three) and is becoming Williams’ primary target. The quarterback had a perfect passer rating when targeting Odunze in the first half. They will need to rely on that connection to dig out of a large deficit in the second half.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze have stellar 1st half vs. Lions
