The Chicago Bears have been eliminated from contention. They went on a hell of a run, but all things must come to an end.
Chicago was ripe for performing, and Ben Johnson was exactly what this organization needed to take it to the next level. Though the season may have come to a disappointing end, this one felt different.
Bears receiver Rome Odunze was outstanding this season, easing into the clear WR1 spot. Alongside DJ Moore and Luther Burden III, the talent in that room is teeming, but the connection between Odunze and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams can't be ignored.
With the season over, the Bears have shifted into evaluation mode, where exit meetings offer players a chance to reflect beyond the week-to-week grind. It was in that setting that Odunze delivered an honest self-assessment, acknowledging the opportunities he felt he left on the field, as ESPN reporter Courtney Cronin shared.
“I need to make the plays that come to me, making the most of my opportunities. That’s something I know I can be better at, and it’s something I take ownership of when I look back on the season.”
Rome Odunze takes accountability for missed opportunities in Year 2
The Bears may have lost, but that doesn't mean what they've built has been erased. Ben Johnson's Bears made a mark on the NFL, and there's only more to come. The bar has been raised in Chicago, especially for players like Odunze.
The pressure to be better is something that sets in eventually for all players in the offseason, and for some, it hits immediately. Odunze is a leader on this team, and him treating this as a responsibility is an excellent sign for Chicago football fans.
"This wasn't the season I wanted to have. It's not just last night, it's several different plays throughout the season where I know I could have come through."
Odunze wasn't caught up in the moment of the tragic final loss. He framed this as a whole reaction, not to a single moment or mistake, but rather the entire season. Odunze's focus remained on consistency and finishing opportunities, reinforcing that his disappointment stems from internal expectations rather than external criticism.
Odunze's thoughts on the matter drive home the consistent presence of head coach Ben Johnson. His message has been clear and concise all season long, and for Chicago fans, it's a breath of fresh air to see that same sentiment reflected on the players. This is what leadership looks like at this stage.
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Accepting responsibility for your own shortcomings is a skill that needs to be exercised no differently than your routes or catches. Odunze doing so at this point in his young career is a good sign for future Chicago football.