DJ Moore advises Justin Fields not to rush their on-field chemistry for additional passes.
From the moment star receiver DJ Moore stepped into Halas Hall, quarterback Justin Fields began syncing up with him. Their synergy quickly became a talking point during the OTAs, peaking during training camp.
Their partnership was hailed as "exceptional" by their teammates, often referencing it as the primary cause for hope regarding the Bears' 2023 offensive performance.
However, their anticipated dynamic was noticeably absent during the Bears' Week 1 clash with the Green Bay Packers. In a disappointing 38-20 defeat, Moore had a mere two receptions on two targets.
Post-game, Fields expressed regrets about his "cautious" approach, believing he should've targeted Moore more often.
Rather than venting or subtly hinting at his discontent, Moore remained composed. He's not fazed by a single match's outcome, trusting that he and Fields will soon align.
Moore commented on Friday at Halas Hall, "There were times Green Bay altered their defense against me. Sometimes, I might not catch everything happening elsewhere on the field. But I'm optimistic."
Accustomed to teams adjusting defenses to counter him, Moore is confident in his ability to influence games as long as he gets the chance.
While Coach Matt Eberflus emphasized leveraging their top players, Moore maintained a bigger picture perspective.
Fields recognizes the need to frequently target Moore, given the latter's capability. Still, Moore encourages a balanced approach, not wanting Fields to force-feed him passes.
"We should play as we did throughout the OTAs and camp," said Moore. "Connections shouldn't be forced; they should evolve naturally. And in situations where it's me against a defender, trust me to come down with the ball."
The Bears' inability to effectively use Moore during their opening game was a glaring oversight.
Yet, with 16 games remaining, the consensus is that Fields and Moore will fulfill the lofty aspirations pinned on them pre-season.
"We'll find our rhythm," assured Moore.
As they prepare for their Week 2 clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team fresh from defeating the Minnesota Vikings, the stakes are clear. History indicates that an 0-2 start can be detrimental to playoff hopes.
Moore's track record against the Bucs is impressive, boasting 58 receptions for 766 yards and three touchdowns over 10 games. This makes them his favorite opponents statistically.
To bounce back from their initial setback, the Bears are banking on Moore continuing his dominance against the Buccaneers.
| POLL | ||
16 SEPTEMBRE | 31 ANSWERS DJ Moore advises Justin Fields not to rush their on-field chemistry for additional passes. Is D.J Moore the best receiver on the roster? | ||
| yes | 18 | 58.1 % |
| No | 13 | 41.9 % |
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