Chicago Bears surprise WR1 was fully ready for Week 1 opportunity

Wide receiver Rome Odunze was active for the Chicago Bears‘ Week 1 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The passing attack features fellow potent names such as Luther Burden and Colston Loveland. But none of those players lead the Bears in passing.

Instead, that distinction went to free agent signee Kalif Raymond. He made a career-high eight receptions for 84 yards. He was a consistent target for quarterback Caleb Williams and continuously helped the Bears move forward.

For Raymond, the key for he and all of Chicago was their preparation. They knew a win on Sunday doesn’t happen unless they put in the work. The Bears didn’t back down from any challenge, via Raymond’s postgame press conference.

“It’s really nice to be here, just watching the way the guys work,” Raymond said. “The game happens however the game happens. But it doesn’t start on Sunday. That starts Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, so much earlier. When you go into the game, you’re living in your preparation. We did a lot of preparation for this one.”

As the Bears continue growing on offense, it’d be a bit of a shock to see Raymond remain the WR1. But head coach Ben Johnson at least knows he can trust the wide receiver if his number is called.

Chicago Bears still want more

In Raymond’s first game with the Bears, he saw his team earn a 59-37 win. That’s tied for the second-most points ever scored in Week 1. There was plenty of celebrating on the sidelines.

But Raymond notes it’s not all fun and games. The Bears are still actively looking to improve and analyzing every play. That plays into their heightened preparation. Any mistake on the gridiron, Chicago is prepared to fix it.

“Professionally, you like the good stuff. But you’re going back on, ‘I saw this on this play.’ You’re checking the other stuff to make sure the rest of the game continues to go how it goes,” Raymond said. “You’re checking yourself, because the game is still going. If you get too lost in what already happened, you won’t be prepared for the future.”

After dropping 59 points, the Bears will have a clear target on their back moving forward. But Raymond and company will be prepared for any obstacle thrown their way.

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