Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore has seen an uptick in production over the last two weeks. However, even during the quieter preceding stretch, Moore has been consistent in his approach, and he says it comes naturally.
Moore’s body language was a topic of discussion, fittingly, during the offseason. His production had been a bigger sticking point once the games began.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson offered comments that spoke volumes about Moore.
Bears’ DJ Moore Gets Honest After Ben Johnson’s Comments
DJ Moore a ‘Happy, Go-Lucky Person’
Moore has caught four passes for 72-plus years in each of the Bears’ last two games, marking his top two performances of the season. He had 190 yards total from Week 2 through Week 5. Johnson met with the media on Friday and downplayed the idea of that being intentional, but took the opportunity to praise Moore.
Johnson is “very pleased with how DJ’s playing. You talk about a guy that comes into work with a smile on his face every single day. He loves football. Love what he’s about right now.”
“I’m just a happy, go-lucky person at the end of the day,” Moore told Clocker Sports after practice on Friday. “Whatever is happening that day. If it’s good, bad, and different, I’m still going to be the same.”
Moore has 30 receptions for 403 yards and 1 touchdown this season.
He is on track for the second-fewest yards and touchdowns, and the third-fewest receptions, of his career.
The trend could indicate a shift from Rome Odunze back to Moore is happening as defenses adjust. As Moore has ascended, Odunze’s numbers have tailed off. With pops from various other components of the Bears offense, like rookies Colston Loveland and Kyle Monangai, individual big games are sporadic.
The Bears have used Moore in other ways, and Johnson spoke about his football IQ, too.
Ben Johnson: DJ Moores Football IQ Underrated
DJ Moore #2 of the Chicago Bears goes through a drill in practice in Week 8. Mandatory credit: Clocker Sports.
“I think [WR coach/assistant HC Antwaan] Randle El and those guys in the receiver room are doing a great job coaching him up, and I think he’s providing a great example for a lot of our young players as well. Very smart. I think that’s underrated. He’s one of the smarter receivers that I’ve been around. He can handle a number of positions. And so, yeah, it’s just a matter of time,” Johnson said on Friday.
“Each guy is going to have their own moment in the sun, if you will. It’s hard to say each week that each guy’s going to get a certain number of catches, but it’s pretty encouraging to see where he’s been right now.”
Johnson was clear that big games can be cyclical, especially with the challenges of featuring perimeter players. However, he did note that it has “worked out well” for Moore the past few weeks.
The challenge for Johnson and his staff – and quarterback Caleb Williams, for that matter – is getting all of the Bears’ pieces going at the same time.
