People have been spreading rumors lately that wide receiver DJ Moore was getting frustrated with Caleb Williams. It stemmed from the rookie quarterback’s inability to hit him with more passes down the field. There was talk of Moore’s body language on the sideline and reactions to Williams talking to him. Then, on Sunday against Carolina, the two connected for two long touchdowns, sparking a 36-10 rout. Nothing seemed wrong with their communication or relationship. It’s almost as if people blew it out of proportion.
However, Moore did lodge one complaint about his young quarterback at the latest press conference on Wednesday. Williams has apparently grown more vocal in recent weeks, or “bossy,” as the receiver put it. Any time he or other receivers don’t run routes the right way, Williams lets them hear about it. The demanding presence is understandable to Moore but also a little annoying.
Williams was asked about it during his own presser, cracking a grin when hearing what Moore said. He stated that his approach came from learning what his new teammate responds to. For some guys, he must be bossy. For others, he takes a more calm tone.
DJ Moore is learning how smart Williams is.
There was a famous saying about Green Bay Packers legend Vince Lombardi from one of his players, Henry Jordan. “He treated us all the same: like dogs.” Quarterback Bart Starr refuted that claim. He clarified that Lombardi treated Jordan like a dog because the coach knew that was the best way to get the most from his ability. He took a different approach, depending on the player. Some responded to the lash. Others responded to encouragement. His gift as a leader was understanding what was needed.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
It appears Williams has that same quality. He gives DJ Moore the bossy tone because that is what the receiver responds to, even if he may not like it sometimes. That doesn’t mean Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet get the same treatment. Each situation is unique. Having a quarterback who understands this is incredibly rare. It offers another window into why the Bears reached their decision to draft him so quickly.
Gator Joe, I remember the Bears losing the only game that year to Marino, It’s so sad that players like him and Fran the man never got a Superbowl win.
I remember Marino being red faced and screaming at Mark Clayton who he probably loved more than anybody on the team.
Some folks are thinned skinned and don’t take to criticism like others. Williams is more of a water rolling off a ducks back kind of guy. Different strokes for different folks. But being able Analize people like that is a good trait. All good QBs are going to jump on their receivers if they’re not where they should be in the route right before getting sacked. Called being on the same page.
Are the media turning these player relationships into a soap opera? It’s a good thing that they are so fair and balanced, and non-sensationalizing, when approaching the Russian-Ukraine war and the Israeli-Palestinian war. If not, this world would be in as bad of shape as the Chicago Bears and New York Jets. I shudder to think.