New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez had high praise for Chicago Bears rookie receiver Rome Odunze ahead of Sunday’s Week 10 matchup between the Patriots and Bears.
Gonzalez, a former Oregon standout, teased a Pac-12 rivalry with Odunze, who played at the University of Washington. He faced Odunze and his current teammate, Patriots wideout Ja’Lynn Polk, in 2022.
Odunze has become an important part of the Bears’ offense with 25 catches for 391 yards and a touchdown. He is coming off a career game against the Arizona Cardinals where he recorded five catches for 104 yards.
“(Rome Odunze), he’s a great receiver,” Gonzalez said, when appearing on WEEI’s “Jones and Keefe.” “He brings a lot to the table. He’s big, fast, smart, can run routes. I’ve got one of his teammates over here with me. I always give him smack about (University of Washington) because we don’t like UW. But, he’s a great receiver. Him, Keenan (Allen). I mean, we’re excited for the challenge.”
#Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez on the #Bears WRs:
“(Rome Odunze), he’s a great receiver. He brings a lot to the table. He’s big, fast, smart, can run routes. I’ve got one of his teammates over here with me. I always give him smack about (University of Washington) because we… pic.twitter.com/dWcFFH7Y2e
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) November 5, 2024
This time, Polk will be on Gonzalez’s side for the smack-talking. It’ll be interesting to see who Gonzalez matches up with in the game considering the Bears have multiple receivers that can hurt opposing defenses, including Odunze and six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen.