DJ Moore, a prominent wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, has experienced an eventful career since entering the NFL eight years ago. This was a big deal on its own, given that the Chicago Bears traded with the Carolina Panthers to get Moore and the No. Since then, Moore has been a crucial part of the Bears’ offensive attack. He is the team’s emotional core. His play this season has been troubling, as his numbers are well below the lofty standards expected from a player with his historical pedigree.
DJ Moore has led the Bears in receiving in 2024. He caught 98 out of 140 targets for 966 yards with 6 total touchdowns. For all the circuitous reasons behind the Bears’ struggles in a year of turmoil, Moore’s contributions haven’t always matched the heights he’s regularly reached in previous campaigns. After all, he’s been on the field for over half of the plays. His effort to establish himself as an indispensable piece of the roster is evident.
A Shifting Role
DJ Moore’s role in the Bears’ new offense has dramatically changed this year. Still, he is one of the most dangerous targets in the entire field. Yet, he’s currently a player who mostly lives on deep throws as opposed to short-to-intermediate passes that were the hallmark of his tenure in Carolina. His average depth of target has spiked alarmingly and unsurprisingly. It exploded from 7.1 yards a season ago to 10 yards this fall.
The statistical drop-off is striking. Moore is now the second-leading receiver on the team. He is en route to the worst statistical season of his career, with just 39 receptions for 498 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games so far. He had the best performance of his young career in a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, posting five receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns. He’s struggled to keep that ship on an even keel over the long haul.
“I feel like my role changes week to week,” – DJ Moore
Moore’s adaptability underlines his commitment to the team’s success, yet it illustrates the challenges he faces in establishing a rhythm within the offense. He’s only been targeted on nine screen passes this year, a far cry from the 29 he had in 2024. This offensive adjustment is indicative of a larger pattern that has limited his overall efficiency.
Chemistry with Caleb Williams
The second and perhaps more important reason for Moore’s success is his development of chemistry with dual-threat quarterback Caleb Williams. Observers have scrutinized their connection over the past two years, particularly because Moore hasn’t matched the prolific numbers he posted during his tenure with the Panthers, where he enjoyed three consecutive seasons surpassing 1,100 yards from 2019 to 2021.
Even with this level of scrutiny, Williams is more concerned about needing to call the game plan perfectly.
“I think Caleb’s doing a great job of doing what we’re asking him to do within the concept,” – Doyle
The coaching staff acknowledges that while Moore’s role may vary depending on game strategy and coverage, they are committed to ensuring all players contribute meaningfully.
“So, do I want to get DJ Moore going? Absolutely. Do I want to get all these guys the ball? Absolutely,” – Ben Johnson
This generic approach seems designed to foster a more well-rounded and potent attack, but risks unintentionally sapping Moore’s potency.
Navigating Adversity
Moore’s performance the last few games shines a light on individual and club issues. He took a shellacking defeat over the Green Bay Packers. In that game, he was only able to turn one catch into -4 yards, his lowest point total for receiving yards ever. Statistics like those listed above beg the question of just how well the Bears can get the most out of their star receiver.
Moore is still encouraged both by where he fits on the team and its overall mission at a larger scale. What he does know is that keeping a healthy balance on offense is important to the fabric of winning.
“I can’t be mad when the whole group is eating,” – DJ Moore
This kind of thinking speaks to his feel for the game and people, but to his desire to help the team in any way shape or form. The Bears’ coaching staff codifies this mantra. Their idea is that bringing everyone into the fold makes for a more complete and powerful offensive force.
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