Bears WR Rome Odunze reacts to big play vs. Panthers

Rome Odunze and the Chicago Bears opened their season with a huge road victory over the Carolina Panthers. He only had two receptions, but one of them was highlight reel-worthy. The third-year wide receiver shared his reaction to the play during his postgame availability.

Odunze recorded two catches for 52 yards. He was able to consistently draw attention from the defense for his route running, and his connection with Caleb Williams made him a marked player. The 24-year-old was instrumental to helping the team secure a 1-0 record with the 59-37 win.

The star quarterback shined with 21-of-29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He was also responsible for two rushing scores and distributed his targets effectively.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) against the Arizona Cardinals.

Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze discusses his “Moss catch”

Reporters asked Odunze for his thoughts on his “Moss catch” late in the first quarter of the Week 1 game. He caught the ball from Williams’ pass which he snagged from behind his defender’s head.

WOW: #Bears WR Rome Odunze just went full-on Randy Moss. pic.twitter.com/AOGld0tHR3

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 13, 2026

‘”You know it’s going to be a contested catch just seeing the flight path of the ball, seeing where it’s dropping down, and seeing the defender closing in,” Odunze said. “So just staying focused on the football, keeping the eye on the ball. As people say, there’s a lot of distractions coming in with him coming close to you. So just staying calm and poised in that moment to make the catch.”

Kalif Raymond saw the most targets among all Bears receivers with nine. He completed eight of them and amassed 84 yards. Luther Burden III went 5-for-5 for 63 yards, while Cole Kmet registered two receptions for 35 yards and one one touchdown.

Chicago will return to action in Week 2 with a home game against the Minnesota Vikings. Two more matchups at Soldier Field follows as the team takes on the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets in Weeks 3 and 4.