Rome Odunze’s father takes a shot at NFL media over criticism he can’t get open

Just three receptions for 44 yards, on nine targets, likely wasn't the plan for Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze through two weeks of the season.

Yet, the Bears offense has struggled mightily to begin the year. Fellow rookie Caleb Williams has endured some growing pains including having to play behind one of the worst offensive lines in football thus far.

The Bears can hardly score points on offense, Williams has yet to throw a touchdown and, of course, that means Odunze doesn't have his first yet, either. Remember the part where he had only three receptions to this point?

Yep.

Now, it's only a matter of time before the Bears figure things out (hopefully) but one particular analyst seems to have a problem with Odunze after watching his first two outings. ESPN's Dan Orlovsky took to X (Twitter) in order to give his two cents in respect to Odunze's inability to get open; at least, that's how he sees it.

Of course, Bears fans came calling for Orlovsky as they would over any analyst's negative opinion on social media. But, Odunze didn't just have fans defending him.

It didn't take long for Odunze's father, James, to defend his son from Orlovsky's take. Early Thursday morning, James took to social media and posted a quick highlight video of Rome getting wide open for a would-be touchdown in Week 1 against the Titans. Williams just didn't throw him the ball.

More Bears news:

Along with the video, he posted the text:

"A quick (2 GAMES out of 17) reference-guide
for those with the initials D.O.
and work for the
Entertainment
&
Sports
Programming
Network

W/respect"

In case it didn't hit home, James was referring to Orlovsky with the "initials D.O." and went on to spell out "ESPN" below.

Also just in case some folks are still wondering exactly what James' intent was with this post, he went on to clarify that the highlight video was not about anyone else. So, the people wanting to make this into a Rome vs. Caleb type of conversation can go ahead and put that one to rest.

Now, real quick, let's not shy away from the fact that Orlovsky might be on to something. Bears wide receivers did have a hard time getting open against the Texans in Week 2, so they've got to do better in the coming days.

Rome Odunze and Caleb Williams have a golden opportunity awaiting in Week 3

Now putting the social media banter behind us, Odunze and his quarterback should be salivating at what's to come this weekend. Facing off against the Indianapolis Colts could be a recipe for the get-right game this offense needs.

The Colts currently have the league's second-worst defense overall, giving up an even 400 yards of offense per game through two weeks.

And, fortunately for Williams, the Colts are especially vulnerable against the run -- an area that must flourish for Williams to get into a rhythm and open things up a bit more than he's been afforded so far.

Hopefully, the two rookies can not only get on the same page, but also benefit from an improved game plan from offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Fans have been in an uproar lately over the idea that Waldron refuses to play the team's best player, instead resorting to "his guys" like Gerald Everett and Travis Homer more so than putting the best talent on the field, in general.