Rome Odunze’s dad defends son against ESPN criticism
- Dan Orlovsky criticized Rome Odunze's performance, suggesting he wasn't getting open.
- James Odunze defended his son by sharing a clip from a game and clarified his intent was not to criticize Caleb Williams.
- The exchange highlights the challenges faced by rookies and the differing perspectives between media and players' families.
After a recent criticism from ESPN host Dan Orlovsky regarding Chicago Bears receiver Rome Odunze's performance, Odunze's father, James, took to social media to defend his son. Orlovsky suggested that the Bears needed to provide Odunze with more opportunities to showcase his skills, implying that he was not getting open during games. This comment prompted James to respond with a video clip from the Bears' Week 1 victory over the Tennessee Titans, aiming to demonstrate his son's capabilities on the field. James's response was direct, as he made it clear that his tweet was specifically aimed at Orlovsky's remarks. He emphasized that his intention was not to criticize fellow rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, despite some interpretations of his post. This clarification highlights the protective stance James takes as a father, wanting to ensure that his son's efforts are recognized and not unfairly criticized. In the first two games of the season, Odunze recorded three catches on nine targets, which some fans attributed to the struggles of the offensive line and Williams's inconsistent performance. The ongoing debate about Odunze's ability to get open and the quarterback's effectiveness has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Orlovsky, who claims to watch every snap of every game, expressed his disbelief at the pushback he received, indicating that he stands by his assessment. This exchange illustrates the tension between media analysis and the perspectives of players' families, as well as the challenges faced by rookies in the NFL.