Bears WR Rome Odunze sees the Davante Adams-Aaron Rodgers pairing as a gateway for him and QB Caleb Williams

There wasn’t a moment this season when Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze thought the chemistry between him and fellow quarterback Caleb Williams was enough.

That may not happen at any point in their careers.

“You have to go out there and prove it on the field,” Odunze said this week. “We have to keep doing that.” . . . Much like Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers, they have to prove it every Sunday. And they continue to do so.

“Even though our duo is still in its early stages, we still have to prove it.”

The Bears envisioned Williams and Odunze becoming one of the best young quarterback/receiver pairings in the NFL when they selected the former No. 1 overall and the latter No. 9 in April.

They’ve brought that out this season – Odunze caught a 50-50 ball for 30 yards in Sunday’s quarterfinal against the Lions – but not often enough for the Bears to avoid a nine-game losing streak.

Odunze also fumbled twice in the first quarter of the 34-17 loss to the Lions, first on a fly-sweep handoff from Williams, then after a 19-yard catch. Maybe that’s why he gave a stilted answer when asked how he rated his rookie season.

“I couldn’t tell you,” he said. “We still have games to play.” “I can’t really believe it yet.”

Odunze’s performance fell just short of that of Marvin Harrison Jr., who was selected No. 4 overall by the Cardinals. After 15 games, Harrison has 51 catches on 100 targets for 726 yards; Odunze has 51 catches on 95 targets for 701 yards. However, Harrison has seven touchdown receptions while Odunze has three. Harrison is fourth in receiving yards among rookies, while Odunze is fifth. The Jaguars’ Brian Thomas leads all rookies with 1,088 receiving yards.

But neither Harrison nor Thomas had to help break in a rookie quarterback like Odunze did. The good news is that he and Williams can grow together. The bad news has been evident this season as the Bears’ offense has struggled to find consistency on and off the field. Williams is his third offensive coordinator and second play-caller.

“I think Rome was consistent from day one,” interim coach Thomas Brown said. “The ball hasn’t always found him all year long in terms of his role in the way he’s progressing from a progression standpoint.” But when he’s had the opportunity to make plays, the guy consistently shows up. ”

Williams saw it too. Odunze ranks third on the Bears in catches and targets and second in receiving yards.

“The opportunity to have him here and grow with him and our relationship over the years I think will be critical to the team,” Williams said. “So I’ve been able to continue and expand on that.” “It’s going to be really fun and really important.”

NOTE: The Bears held a walkthrough Tuesday and appreciated their players’ participation for a full practice. Guard Teven Jenkins (Calf), security Elijah Hicks (ankle/foot), run back Travis Homer (thigh) and tight end Marcedes Lewis (Rest) were among the players who would have sat.

Caleb Williams’ most impressive throw of the game – a would-be 17-yard touchdown pass to Rome Odunze on third down – was negated by a holding penalty.

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