By most measures, this season was not fun. But were there any moments you will remember fondly?
This season was among the most disappointing in my lifetime. Year 3 of a rebuild; talented veteran additions; elite rookie additions; strong finish the year before. Everything pointed towards a breakthrough season.
And we all know how the story goes. The wheels fell off. Waldron is fired. Eberflus is fired. Thomas Brown doesn’t make a difference. Sitting at 4-10, on an 8-game skid, with 3 very likely losses on the horizon – there is very little room for optimism at the moment.
However, that doesn’t mean that there haven’t been moments to reflect on with fondness.
The Chicago Bears three game win streak over the Rams, Panthers, and Jaguars suggested that this season would be fun – and those days certainly were fun. Caleb Williams threw for 687 yards, 6 TDs, and 1 INT over the course of those three games, showing off his potential. And while those games were fun, I am going to highlight a single play as my highlight of the season.
Caleb Williams put it on the spot and Rome Odunze made a spectacular effort to stay in bounds. pic.twitter.com/wi5UFW9cTa
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) December 8, 2024
Is it absurd that my favorite moment of the Bears season came when they were down 24-0? Yes. It’s ridiculous.
However, this play told me everything I needed to know about the Bears cornerstone players at QB and WR.
Caleb threw a dot, with pressure in his face, to the corner of the end zone where only Rome could get it. There was touch. There was poise. It was a sign of how good he can be.
Rome ran a beautiful route and made an absolute circus catch over great coverage. Even more impressive, he had the presence of mind to get both feet down inbounds. After his well documented gaffe in the preseason, and fresh out of college where only one foot is required, the body control was impressive.
There isn’t a lot to celebrate about this Bears team, and unless they change their approach this offseason, there is a high likelihood that next season won’t be any different. However, with Caleb and Rome in tow, there remains a glimmer of hope that these two talents can right the ship. Their first touchdown of the day against the 49ers showed us just how special they can be.
Now it’s your turn! What is a moment you will remember fondly about the 2024 NFL season? Sound off in the comments!