Caleb Williams’ performance linked to Bears WRs’ ability to replace Keenan Allen’s 121 targets originally appeared on The Sporting News
Caleb Williams enters the 2025 season with clear goals: achieving a 70% pass completion rate and throwing for 4,000 yards. He is determined to reach these milestones, which will, in turn, support his wide receivers, particularly Rome Odunze and Olamide Zaccheaus, in filling the void left by Keenan Allen’s departure.
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Allen’s 2024 season with the Bears was disappointing, but his departure undeniably leaves a gap, especially given his veteran experience. Williams’ success this season is closely linked to the Bears wide receivers’ ability to compensate for the 121 targets Allen recorded last year.
On Sunday’s edition of SportsCenter, ESPN’s Courtney Cronin highlighted the encouraging signs emerging from Bears training camp. Odunze and Zaccheaus have stood out, delivering impressive performances in recent practices. Odunze, the ninth pick from last year and part of the same draft class as Williams, is quickly emerging as the team’s new No. 1 receiver.
Meanwhile, Zaccheaus has made a significant impact after reviving his career last season with the Washington Commanders.
Addressing the challenge ahead, SportsCenter host Shae Cornette pointed out that the wide receivers face the daunting task of making up for the 121 targets that Allen received last season. Cornette emphasized the magnitude of this responsibility but also noted, “it sounds like they’re on their way to doing that.”
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In his rookie season, Odunze had 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns across 17 games. Meanwhile, Zaccheaus recorded 45 catches for 506 yards and three touchdowns over the same span, all while catching passes from the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Jayden Daniels.
