The 1-2 Chicago Bears will play the 1-2 Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field in a Week 4 matchup. Here’s what you need to know before kickoff (noon, Fox-Ch. 32).
5 things to watch — plus our Week 4 predictions
Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze runs toward the end zone after breaking a tackle during the fourth quarter against the Colts on Sept. 22, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
The connection between rookie QB Caleb Williams and rookie WR Rome Odunze broke through in Week 3, when Odunze had six catches on 11 targets for 112 yards and a touchdown. It was part of Williams’ biggest passing day thus far, when he completed 33 of 52 passes for 363 yards and two touchdowns — but also two interceptions.
Odunze said it has been “a gradual progression of finally feeling and playing like myself” as he was adjusting to NFL play while also battling a knee injury the last two weeks.
Now the Bears hope that they’ll get veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen back to join Odunze and DJ Moore for Sunday’s game. Allen has missed the last two weeks with plantar fasciitis. Allen said he’s “pretty confident” that it won’t be a problem throughout the season.
“It’s Keenan Allen, bro,” Odunze said when asked what his return would do. “He’s going to go out there and provide problems for the defense, tell us different things during the course of the game to help us out and continue to be Keenan Allen, the weapon that he is. That’s going to provide problems for the defense, not knowing who to guard out there, who to cover, who to emphasize and allow more things to open up.” Read more here.
‘Our desired identity hasn’t changed’
Bears running back D’Andre Swift gets up after being tackled on fourth down during the second quarter against the Colts on Sept. 22, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
In explaining the Bears’ vision for adding D’Andre Swift in free agency, coach Matt Eberflus likened him to a slugger, saying the team wanted a “home run hitter” in the backfield.
“I think D’Andre brings that,” Eberflus said in March. “We wanted a weapon back — a guy who could be a weapon out of the backfield. I think he had (39) catches last and he brings that. He’s got tremendous speed. You can feel that when he is running the football but you can definitely feel that as a pass catcher.”
But Swift isn’t getting on base. Forget long balls. He’s not hitting singles when he steps to the plate. That’s just one of the complications for a running game that hasn’t been the complement rookie quarterback Caleb Williams needs. Read more here.
‘For players, it’s just to be able to have their own voice’
Bears tight end Cole Kmet, right, teams up with cohost Adam Hoge on “The Eighty Five” podcast on Sept. 17, 2024, in the West Loop. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
Podcasts by active players have grown to new heights over the last decade. The New York Times reported this month that active NBA players, who helped pioneer the medium, hosted at least two dozen podcasts last season.
The NFL space also has many, the most popular being the “New Heights” podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce. It has 2.45 million subscribers on YouTube — a number certainly boosted by the crossover of Taylor Swift fans interested in Travis — and recently was sold to Amazon’s Wondery, reportedly for at least $100 million.
But for the Bears to have three separate player podcasts on one team in one season is noteworthy — and perhaps indicative of the offseason hype around them. Read more here.
Tracking Caleb Williams
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams throws off balance to an open Rome Odunze during the first quarter against the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Coming out of Sunday’s loss, rookie QB Caleb Williams expressed the need for “constant communication” as the offense tries to find its groove and forge an identity before the season gets too far along. On Wednesday, the rookie quarterback was assertive in defining his role in that process.
“It starts with me,” he said.
In a nutshell, Williams is vowing to be more communicative, first with the coaching staff but then also with his teammates as the offense works to identify what it does best. That’s on the sideline during games. But, more importantly, it’s during the week at Halas Hall. On the practice field. In meetings. During one-on-one conversations. Read more here.
Rewind to Week 3
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) walks off the field after losing against the Indianapolis Colts 21-16 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams fumbles the ball in the fourth quarter against the Colts on Sept. 22, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (90) recovered the ball. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
A Chicago Bears fan throws his hands in the air during a game against the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. The Bears lost 16-21. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) catches a pass and is tacked by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Dallis Flowers (21) in the second quarter of the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears defensive left to right: Montez Sweat (98), DeMarcus Walker (95), and Andrew Billings (97) pressure Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) in the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. The Bears lost 16-21.(Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus yells to the referee during the third quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a pass while being defended by Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) in the second quarter of the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. Odunze has 3 catches for 44 yards in the first half. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) tries to get past Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) during the fourth quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.(Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45) during the fourth quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to hand off the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.(Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. Trailing him is Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23). The Colts beat the Bears 21-16. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears fans watch the game against the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs past Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III (31) in the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. Taylor scored two touchdowns. The Colts beat the Bears 21-16. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) and cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) walks off the field after losing against the Indianapolis Colts 21-16 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) catches a pass and is tacked by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Dallis Flowers (21) in the second quarter of the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) is tackled during the fourth quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Indianapolis Colts fans celebrate after a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (29) tackles Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) during the second quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws off balance to an open Rome Odunze (15) during the first quarter of the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a pass while being defended by Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) in the second quarter of the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. Odunze has 3 catches for 44 yards in the first half. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) hands the ball off to Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) during the first quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.(Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Indianapolis Colts players celebrate after stopping the Chicago Bears on fourth down during the second quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.(Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Colts defensive tackle Taven Bryan sacks Bears quarterback Caleb Williams during the first quarter Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams looks at his teammates before a snap during the first quarter against the Colts on Sept. 22, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) freacts to fans as he heads off the field following warm-ups before the start of a game between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears center Doug Kramer Jr. warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.(Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sept. 22, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.(Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears punter Tory Taylor (19) signs a football after warm-ups before the start of a game between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Tyler Scott (10) practices over the shoulder catches before the start of a game between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Eric Lucas plays catch before the start of the Bears game outside of Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.(Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron walk around the field before the start of a game between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds warms up before the game against the Colts on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.(Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up with running back D’Andre Swift (4) before the start of a game between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
10-year-old Penny Smiljanich of Chicago runs the 40-yard-dash outside of Lucas Oil Stadium while fans watch her on Sept. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) walks off the field after losing against the Indianapolis Colts 21-16 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Despite all of the ugliness, all of the mistakes that had preceded the moment at Lucas Oil Stadium, Williams took a snap with a chance to lead the winning drive with 6 minutes, 52 seconds to play against the Colts. Six seconds later, Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu swiped the opportunity away.
The 6-foot-5, 265-pound rookie from UCLA burst off the line of scrimmage and barreled around Bears tight end Cole Kmet. Williams said he could feel Latu coming, and he tried to step up in the pocket and make small movements. But he could see wide receiver Rome Odunze about to pop open behind the linebacker and prepared to throw.
With Kmet falling to the ground as he tried to stop it, Latu swatted at the arm of Williams, who fumbled. Colts nose tackle Grover Stewart pounced on the ball at the Bears 16-yard line. Four plays later, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor scored on a 1-yard touchdown run for the deciding play in a 21-16 Colts victory. Read more here.
