DJ Moore has quickly established himself as the best offensive weapon in the Chicago Bears’ arsenal. His ability to change games with his big-play skills is impossible to deny. Justin Fields has looked like a different quarterback since he arrived. Now, the team is starting to build some momentum. The defense is balling. Moore is spearheading the offense. That formula worked wonders against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Chicago thumped their division rivals 28-13. Two of the touchdowns came courtesy of Moore.
The best part, though, wasn’t the scores themselves. Those were so fun to watch, but Moore found a way to top it with his comments about them. First was a direct snap to him. After faking a pitch to Fields, he followed blockers down the left sideline for a 16-yard run to pay dirt. When asked what he saw on the play unfolded, the wide receiver was succinct.
“The end zone. I was tunnel vision on it. I saw everybody hit their right blocks so I was like, ‘this is an automatic touchdown right now.'”
He wasn’t done. After falling behind in the first half, Chicago pulled even 13-13 in the 3rd quarter. Facing 4th and 13 from Detroit’s 37-yard line, the Bears looked like they would go for it. Fields decided to hit them with a hard count. The Lions jumped, drawing an offsides penalty. That gave the Bears a free play. Fields didn’t hesitate, looking to take a shot toward the end zone. Moore knew the ball was coming almost right away.
“When he jumped, I was like, ‘Shoot, I’m out,” Moore said. “I’m like, ‘meep meep.’”
While the receiver may come across as stoic in his demeanor, don’t be fooled. The guy has a ton of personality. Some of his quotes can be entertaining. He’s not afraid to speak his mind. It is easy to see why the Bears targeted him in the trade for the #1 pick in March. Not only is he a great player, but he’s also a great locker room presence. Teammates and coaches love him. Look at the state of the Carolina Panthers’ offense without him. It’s a complete mess.
He remains on course for the best season of his career. He’s already topped his previous touchdown total with eight this year. He now sits just over 100 yards away from breaking his yardage mark of 1,193. DJ Moore has been everything the Bears could’ve asked for. The next job on the agenda for Chicago is finding somebody who can play across from him. Darnell Mooney hasn’t been able to take advantage. Don’t be surprised if the Bears target one early in the 2024 draft.