INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (670 The Score) — If there was an agreement between Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and rookie receiver Rome Odunze over who got to keep their first touchdown football, it wasn’t clear Sunday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium.
With 8:21 remaining in the fourth quarter, Odunze hauled in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Williams. Odunze was led in stride on an out route to the left on a play that marked Williams' first NFL first touchdown pass and Odunze's first NFL touchdown reception.
Odunze ran off the field holding the football in front of Williams, mocking that he couldn’t have it.
“We’re going to cut it in half,” Odunze joked. “He’ll get the right, I’ll get the left, like a Twix factory. No, he’s going to give me this one. He’s going to have plenty in his career and a lot more than me. So, he blessed me with this first one.”
It was a highlight in the Bears' otherwise disappointing 21-16 loss to the Colts on Sunday, which dropped Chicago to 1-2.
However, there’s promise in the big picture after Odunze's first big game in the NFL, as he hauled in six receptions for 112 yards. Williams had planned to target Odunze more during their third game together.
"I've told Rome (Odunze) that I'm going to get him the ball some more,” Williams said. “The routes he runs, the trust and belief that I have in him.
“Some of the practice reps, the after-practice reps that Rome and I have been getting these past couple weeks, I think it pays off. We're going to keep doing it because I want to obviously build that connection and have that trust and belief in each other."
Williams was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Eight picks later, the Bears selected Odunze at No. 9 overall.
During the pre-draft process, Williams and Odunze formed a connection and hoped they would land with the same team. Shortly after he was selected, Williams was thrilled to learn Odunze was joining him in Chicago.
Since teaming up, Williams and Odunze have put in the work to form a bond. Odunze had just three receptions in the first two games, over which he was slowed while managing an MCL sprain that he suffered in the opener on Sept. 8.
On Sunday, Odunze hauled in the first of what he hopes is many touchdown connections with Williams.
“It’s always good to be able to build that individual chemistry with him,” Odunze said. “(And) continue to be an asset to this offense.
“Making those plays together, continuing to build on that will be good for us going into this season.”
670 The Score's Mark Grote contributed to this report.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.