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.
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.
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.
