Bears HC Matt Eberflus teases Rome Odunze could see opportunities to return punts against the Bills on Saturday
Leading up to the Chicago Bears second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus might have let the cat out of the bag regarding the usage of one of his top rookies.Eberflus already confirmed following Thursday's practice that the starters will see some action in some capacity on Saturday while talking […]
Leading up to the Chicago Bears second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus might have let the cat out of the bag regarding the usage of one of his top rookies.
Eberflus already confirmed following Thursday's practice that the starters will see some action in some capacity on Saturday while talking to the media.
However, during another media appearance after practice wrapped up, Eberflus revealed that the team might utilize first-round wide receiver Rome Odunze as a punt returner during the game, something he's been practicing all offseason.
"He's done it in the past and he talked about it during the draft process," Eberflus said while appearing on the "Up & Adams Show" with Kay Adams. "He's really really good at it. He's dynamic back there and we'll see if we'll give him touches in the game. We'll see about that in terms of the other guys too."
Eberflus specifically mentioned Odunze's speed, explosiveness, yards after catch ability, and how he can break tackles as attributes that makes him in the running for the starting punt return duties.
During Thursday's practice, Odunze was joined by Deandre Carter and Tyler Scott returning punts on the field while DJ Moore looked on with the group, per Nicholas Moreano. The team has been deploying different players back there, including second-year cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. It'll continue to be an open competition all training camp and showing off in the preseason is a good way to secure that role.
Last week in the Bears' preseason opener against the Houston Texans, Carter and Dante Pettis were the two players that were back deep to return punts. Carter returned his punt for nine yards, while Pettis muffed his opportunity.
Odunze is easily the best man for the job, even with his limited experience in the role. It is a concern having such a major offensive weapon in that role in terms of the injury concerns, but the more you can get the ball into the hands of your best play-makers, the better. Just look at what Odunze did with one of his three returns at Washington.
"I think it’s just another opportunity for me to shine and for me to add value to the team," Odunze said back in June. "I feel like I do it at a high level, so continue to grow with that, continue to find the technique of it, especially at this level with punters like Tory (Taylor). But yeah, you guys already know my favorite player’s Devin Hester. So if I can contribute in any facet in the return game, I’m all for it.”
Bears’ preseason game against the Bills just became must watch TV thanks to Caleb Williams news
We’ll finally get to see him in action.
