The Dallas Cowboys returned to the field for the first time in two weeks on Monday Night Football, but there was a shocking absence when the team had its first possession against the Las Vegas Raiders.
After the Cowboys received the opening kickoff, the offense took the field without star wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens in the huddle.
They never took the field on the opening drive, and the team went three-and-out to start the game.
It was a head-scratching decision that left fans on social media baffled, but ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters revealed that it was a “coach’s decision.” Later, Cowboys insider Nick Harris of the
According to Harris, “[Lamb and Pickens] missed some things.”
We should learn more about the first drive benching from head coach Brian Schottenheimer following the game, but it was certainly an interesting decision that highlighted just how important the star wide receiver duo is to the offense.
Lamb and Pickens returned to the field for the team’s second drive, and Lamb scored the Cowboys’ first touchdown of the game later in the first half. It’s good to have everyone back on the field, and hopefully the proper message was sent.
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The Cowboys have one of the best wide receiver duos in the entire league, and the team has consistently proven it is impossible to shut them both down if they are on the field together.
Lamb has missed some time this season, but has still managed to haul in 35 catches for 491 yarsd and a touchdown entering Monday night. Pickens, meanwhile, has been on a tear.
Pickens, meanwhile, has hauled in 49 catches for 764 yards, which ranks fifth in the league, and has hauled in six touchdowns, the league’s sixth most.
Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze was the star of the team’s 2025 training camp, and expectations continue to grow for a breakout season this year.
The ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Odunze had a solid-yet-unspectacular rookie season last year. However, the box score doesn’t tell the total picture, and the buzz around the former Washingon Huskies star is at an all-time high.
The Athletic recently published intel for all 32 teams in a 2025 season preview, and it was all about Odunze for the Bears.
“Second-year wideout Rome Odunze has taken on more of a natural leadership role, which has impressed those in every corner of the building,” wrote Jeff Howe. “The No. 9 pick of the 2024 draft quietly tallied just 54 catches for 734 yards and three touchdowns last season, but he’s growing in new coach Ben Johnson’s system on and off the field. The Bears believe it’s important for quarterback Caleb Williams to have leadership support within other positional groups.”
Odunze will be a key cog in Johnson’s offense, and must become a foundational player for the Bears in 2025. His development will be directly tied to Caleb Williams; one may only go as far as the other allows.
Rome Odunze flashed his playmaking upside in the Bears’ final preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He ended the game with three catches for 45 yards and a touchdown, including a long gain of 37 yards that displayed what made him such a coveted prospect in 2024.
Indeed, Odunze will have competition for targets in 2025. DJ Moore remains a high-end pass-catcher, and rookies Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III will get their chances. But there’s a real opportunity for Odunze to become Caleb Williams’ go-to-guy. And, if he does, the sky’s the limit on his potential production.
So, yeah, it’s easy to understand why a Rome Odunze breakout season is coming.