DJ Moore has recently been a hot topic for the Chicago Bears. The star wide receiver first got into trouble for supposed bad body language in the loss to the Houston Texans. Then, more recently, he made a comment about a missed touchdown opportunity against the Rams that some thought was a dig at quarterback Caleb Williams. It wasn’t, but people tend to overreact when reading transcripts. However, perhaps the most persistent rumor centers around Moore’s health.
Some people have openly wondered if the wide receiver is hurt. This comes from his unusual lack of explosiveness on the field. He hasn’t created as much separation from opposing defensive backs as we’re used to seeing. The only explanation for this in the minds of many is an undisclosed injury. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune was recently asked about this. He set the record straight, believing the explanation is unlikely to be health-related, especially if the Bears know about it.
“I don’t believe an injury is in play for Moore. He has not been listed on the injury report, and the Bears would be flirting with significant penalties if they were playing shenanigans with league rules.”
The DJ Moore issues are far simpler to explain.
His lower production total stems from three factors. One is having a rookie quarterback throw the ball. Williams isn’t yet at a point where he’s going to chuck the ball 30-40 times per game—not without throwing some interception, anyway. Another is the sudden presence of two more prominent wide receiver targets in Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen. Don’t forget Moore didn’t have to share the ball much last year because the other receivers weren’t anywhere close to his level. Last but not least, he is playing in a new offensive system under Shane Waldron.
With all of these changes, it should’ve been expected that D.J. Moore might take time to adjust. Yes, his numbers are down. However, a hidden injury is too simple an explanation for a complex problem. The reality is that he is trying to get the right timing with a young quarterback while also mastering a new scheme. Signs are growing that he’s figuring it out. It is only a matter of time before the big plays start coming.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
I have pointed to Darnell Mooney being allowed to leave the Bears as another sin of ommission by our “perpetual rookie” GM Ryan Poles. It’s only been 4 games; but every one of those NFL games counts! Here are the facts: Statistics ▪︎ DJ ▪︎ Allen ▪︎ Rome ▪︎ Mooney Catches__ 22 __ 7 _____ 10 ____ 24 Yards ____ 189 __ 48 ___ 166 ___ 330 TDs _____ 1 ___ 0 _____ 1 ______ 3 20 + _____ 1 ___ 0 _____ 3 ______ 8 40 + _____ 1 ___ 0 _____ 1 ______ 1 Long _____ 44 __… Read more »
He will be just fine. He was the only option last year outside of Kmet, so he had a massive target share. This year they can scheme for several guys to get the ball. IT’s actually better for the team to be more balanced. We may not have DJ go for 1600 yards, but if he hits 1200 and Allen or Odunze get close to that number we will be just fine. Kmet is also an outlet and Swift finally woke up last game as well. We still have a rookie QB, who is still getting pressured too much, and… Read more »
The Raiders want him as part of the package for that Taco Bell dude.
I hope not another overpaid injured or discontented WR?
What does Chris Long think?