(670 The Score) Veteran receiver Olamide Zaccheaus was on the other side of the Bears’ stunning last-second loss to the Commanders on Oct. 27.
Zaccheaus played a minimal role in that game, going without a target or reception for the Commanders, but he certainly remembers plenty from that Sunday at Northwest Stadium.
“It was a back-and-forth defensive game,” Zaccheaus said. “Had some drives. I remember there was a turnover on the goal line that kind of helped us a little bit. Then I just remember the last play, really.”
Washington's game-winning Hail Mary touchdown on the final play sent the Bears and Commanders in different directions. That marked the first of 10 straight losses that Chicago endured as its season spiraled. Washington went 12-5 in a breakthrough campaign and eventually advanced to the NFC Championship Game.
Since then, the Bears have bolstered their roster for 2025 and set course with new head coach Ben Johnson. Leadership inside Halas Hall believes the team is positioned to have sustained success.
Zaccheaus sees that potential as well. He signed a one-year deal with the Bears on Monday believing he has joined a team on the rise.
"It's a great time to be in Chicago,” Zaccheaus said. “I just want to do my part to win some games and make a run for the whole thing."
The 27-year-old Zaccheaus had 45 receptions for 506 yards and three touchdowns with the Commanders last season. He has been a valuable depth piece at wide receiver over his six-year NFL career.
The Bears have wanted to establish more depth at wide receiver since Johnson was hired in January. DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen combined for 222 of the Bears’ 353 receptions in 2024. Their fourth-leading wide receiver was DeAndre Carter, who had just nine catches.
Zaccheaus will likely play in the slot, though he’s proud of being able to play outside as well. Beyond that, part of what made Zaccheaus a fit for Chicago was his blocking ability.
"Very important,” Zaccheaus said. “It takes everybody, takes all 11 to run the ball and even in the pass game as well when somebody catches the ball and getting on the field to get a block. It’s going to be a staple of what you see here with Ben Johnson, trying to build this offense."
What Zaccheaus hopes to have in Chicago is another breakthrough season like the one he just experienced in Washington. Zaccheaus sees opportunity awaiting the Bears in 2025, and he knows what it will take for them to rise.
“The biggest thing is just the connection,” Zaccheaus said. “That was one thing that we prided ourselves on doing is being able to connect as quick as possible. That’s how you really take off. The connection throughout the building, not just from player to play, but player to coach, coach to player, but media team to player, player to chef, training room. Everybody in the building has to connect as fast as possible. We’ll see where that takes us. That puts you in the best position to be able to have success.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.