Well, here we go again.
It’s that time of the week where we must select our game balls for the Bears most recent game.
And to that, I defer to (a slightly modified) Jim Mora.
The Bears were absolutely obliterated. Conquered. Outclassed. Em-bear-assed. Who are we supposed to award for that performance? Well there’s one clear choice, so let’s get to it.
Offense Game Ball: WR Rome Odunze
If there’s been one clear cut winner already this season, it’s Odunze. He has clearly ascended to Bears #1 WR. Some thought it might take another year
for that to happen, but he’s already cemented himself as the go-to target for QB Caleb Williams in his second season.
In Sunday’s loss to the Lions, Odunze hauled in seven passes and finished the game with two touchdown catches. His longest catch was a 37 yard touchdown in the first quarter, a beautiful design from Head Coach Ben Johnson.
He also broke some ankles.
Odunze is tied with Amon-Ra St. Brown for most touchdown catches in the NFL right now (3). All of St. Brown’s came against the Bears, because of course they did.
Further, Odunze is ninth in the league in receiving yards (165) and tied for 12th in receptions (13). At this pace, Odunze would finish the year with over 1,400 yards receiving. He is looking every bit the part of a top ten pick
Yes, he did have at least one drop in the game and still has room for improvement, but he was one of the Bears’ few bright spots on Sunday.
Defense Game Ball: Nobody
Are you kidding me? Giving up 52 points?
Jim…
There’s no chance we will award anyone from this unit a game ball for Sunday’s shameful performance. They put no pressure on Jared Goff, who looked like a pro playing against a Pop Warner team. Tyrique Stevenson was absolutely horrendous in coverage, having zero answers. Anyone seen Montez Sweat lately?
The Lions were literally laughing at and mocking the Bears during the game. Hopefully when the Bears field a good team again (a big ask around these parts), the members of the team who are still around on that team (probably not many) will remember this one and get some revenge.
When it comes to points scored, this was one of the 10 worst games in the history of the Chicago Bears franchise. The team has only given up 50 or more points 10 times, ever. The last time was against the Packers in November 2014. The less said about that season the better.
And with Jaylon Johnson out for the season, it’s hard to see things getting any better. Dennis Allen has his work cut out for him.
Special Teams Game Ball: Nobody
Oh come on. No chance.
After a week of Cairo Santos debate, he comes out and promptly kicks the ball out of bounds on the opening kickoff.
Are you kidding me?
Game balls?
Bryan Orenchuk and myself will have plenty to say this week on a new episode of Bears Over Beers. We’ll be live on Wednesday night on the 2nd City Gridiron YouTube channel, or available on demand via your favorite podcasting platform after. Our 2nd City Gridiron Podcast Channel is available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audacy, and other popular podcast platforms.
Who would have received your game balls? Let us know in the comments section below.
