Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is getting tired of hearing from his defense during practice. The Windy City wideout says his defense is as good as anybody in the NFL at talking trash to others, because they have been chirping to the team's offense. Moore reiterated that it has to do with all the new faces on offense still trying to come together.
“It makes us frustrated, but we got to stay calm and understand we're still learning the whole playbook as a unit,” Moore said, per 670 the Score. The Chicago offense is now under the guidance of rookie Caleb Williams, who was the no. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Moore's tenure in Chicago
Moore will be used frequently in the Bears offense this season, with a rookie quarterback at the helm. He has posted some solid numbers in Chicago. Moore finished the 2023 season with 96 receptions for 1,364 yards. He also caught eight touchdown passes. Moore also played five seasons in Carolina before coming to the Bears.
The Bears had a frustrating year in 2023. The team was banged up at quarterback, with Justin Fields in and out of the lineup for weeks with injuries. The team couldn't find a consistent replacement for him, and Chicago ended the year with a 7-10 record. Fields then left this offseason for Pittsburgh, creating a need at quarterback for the team. Williams is expected to be the starter, as the no. 1 overall pick in the draft.
Moore says the young gunslinger is getting to know his receivers. Williams is reportedly setting up meetings with the wideouts to go over the playbook, per 670 the Score. The quarterback and receivers are expected to meet two or three times before training camp officially begins. Bears minicamp starts Tuesday along with other league teams.
Other receiving targets for Bears
Moore won't be the only target for Williams this season. Another receiver showing promise is Keenan Allen. Allen was added to the Bears roster this offseason, from the Los Angeles Chargers. Moore is impressed with what he has seen from Allen so far.
“Keenan has still got burners, he can still go deep,” Moore added. Allen had reportedly not been happy at Bears OTAs, so fans certainly hope that the chemistry is there for the veteran. Allen played for 10 years with the Chargers, and posted more than 10,000 career receiving yards.
It certainly takes time for an offense to come together, so it is important for fans to be patient. There are reasons to have faith in Williams. The rookie quarterback had some great seasons in college, playing for USC and Oklahoma. Williams threw for 3,633 yards and 30 touchdowns during the 2023 season. In 2022, he did even better. That season he threw for a whopping 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns, with only five interceptions.
Chicago fans have reason to hope that the future looks bright.
