Tag: DJ Moore

Montez Sweat had high praise for Bears teammate DJ Moore

Montez Sweat sounded off on where Bears teammate DJ Moore ranks among NFL wide receivers.

Wide receiver DJ Moore made a huge impact in his first season with the Chicago Bears, where he totaled career highs in receptions (96), receiving yards (1,364) and touchdowns (8).

Still, Moore doesn’t garner the respect he deserves, including being a notable Pro Bowl snub, especially playing in some underwhelming offenses in his six-year career. Case in point: ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe, who said Moore wasn’t even a top-15 wideout in the NFL.

Sharpe asked one Twitter (X) user which of these receivers he’d take over Moore:

Tyreek Hill, CeeDee Lamb, Ja’Mar Chase, Justin Jefferson, Stefon Diggs, Davante Adams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Puka Nucua, A.J. Brown, D.K. Metcalf, Debo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, Mike Evans, Cooper Kupp, Michael Pittman Jr., Nico Collins

Sharpe’s own answer was clear in posing the question: None of them.

Meanwhile, Moore had the sixth-most receiving yards in the NFL and was part of one of the league’s most dangerous duos with Justin Fields. Not to mention, Fields missed four games this season — and Moore still balled out.

Bears star defensive end Montez Sweat sounded off on the debate with high praise for his teammate: He’d take Moore over all 18 of them.

The Bears acquired Moore from the Carolina Panthers in a trade of the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The haul also included right tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, the No. 1 pick in 2024 and a 2025 second-rounder still on the way.

Moore was one of the most impactful additions this season, where he proved to be Fields’ most reliable weapon and an electric playmaker. Chicago’s passing offense improved from 32nd in the NFL in 2022 to 27th in 2023.

There’s uncertainty at the quarterback position this offseason, but Moore has made his stance clear: He wants Fields back in 2024. We’ll see if Moore gets his wish.

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What DJ Moore wants Bears to do with No. 1 pick in 2024 NFL draft

The Bears have an important decision to make with the first overall pick in the NFL draft. DJ Moore revealed what he thinks Chicago will do.

The Chicago Bears once again control the NFL draft this year as they hold the first overall pick (thanks to the Carolina Panthers). While the expectation last year was that Chicago was going to trade it, there’s more uncertainty this season.

Bears wide receiver DJ Moore appeared on the St. Brown Brothers’ podcast with 33rd Team, where he revealed what he thinks Chicago will do with the top selection.

“I think we trade back, to be honest,” Moore said.

Equanimeous St. Brown, Moore’s teammate in Chicago, agreed.

“It worked out the first time,” he said.

St. Brown is, of course, referring to to the trade of the first overall pick last year, where the Bears acquired Moore (alongside picks that turned into right tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, the No. 1 pick this year and a 2025 second-rounder).

It certainly seems that Moore’s opinion carries a lot of weight within the organization. During his exit interview with head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles, Moore took time to give his feedback about the offense, which he previously alluded to in his postgame presser with the media, calling out Luke Getsy’s playcalling. Getsy was fired on Wednesday.

That’s not to say that Moore is the reason Getsy was fired, but Eberflus and Poles value player input — especially from one of their best leaders in Moore — and use that in a big picture evaluation.

Another topic of discussion that came up during that exit interview? Fields.

There’s been no bigger supporter of Fields than Moore, who had a career year with 96 catches for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns and has been campaigning for his QB to return for weeks. Fields and Moore have been among the NFL’s most lethal duos — and Moore nearly eclipsed 1,400 yards even with Fields missing four games.

While it certainly feels like Chicago could use the first overall pick to draft a rookie quarterback, like Caleb Williams, Poles did admit that he was “open-minded” to trading the top selection for the a second consecutive season.

“What happened last year, I didn’t see … for it to turn out the way that it did,” Poles said of the massive haul, including Moore. “Again, I’ve got to stay open-minded.”

Bears WR DJ Moore provided feedback on offense during his exit interview

DJ Moore used his exit interview to provide Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles with feedback on the Bears offense.

DJ Moore’s first season with the Chicago Bears was certainly a memorable one. Despite the offensive shortcomings, Moore put on a show and had a career year with 96 catches for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns.

Moore had an opportunity to meet with head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles during his exit interview Monday morning, and he used that time to provide feedback about the offense this season.

“It was open and honest,” Moore told reporters Monday. “I gave good feedback. They gave me their honest opinion on how my year went and everything. That’ll stay between us until it comes out later on and y’all see what happens. We’ll see.”

Chicago’s offense has struggled under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. While the Bears made improvements in total yards (28th to 20th) and total points (23rd to 18th) in Getsy’s second season, they remained a bottom-six passing offense (32nd to 27th).

Moore was asked whether quarterback Justin Fields came up during the exit interview, and he made it known he’d like Fields back.

“Nobody really wants to start all the way over and either having a losing season again or maybe have a (winning season),” Moore said. “You never know. It’s a hit or miss. We’re going to have to wait and see.”

But it remains to be seen whether Moore will get his wish.

“He’s the quarterback of the Chicago Bears until otherwise,” Moore said. “And I don’t think that’s changing anytime soon. We’ll see.”

There are plenty of questions facing the Bears this offseason, including who will be the quarterback come the 2024 regular season. But one thing’s for sure: Moore will be back as the team’s top wideout looking to get this offense on track.

Bears WR DJ Moore on Scott Fitterer’s firing: ‘I might’ve played a part in that’

DJ Moore reacted to Monday morning’s firing of Panthers GM Scott Fitterer.

The grass may indeed be greener on the other side for DJ Moore.

On Monday morning, the Carolina Panthers parted ways with general manager Scott Fitterer—putting a fairly swift end to a largely unsuccessful three-year run. And part of that three-year run included Fitterer’s trade of Moore, who had this say shortly after the news broke:

Moore was drafted to Carolina by their previous general manager Marty Hurney in 2018. The 24th overall selection went on to become the fourth-leading receiver in franchise history—amassing 364 catches for 5,201 yards and 21 touchdowns over five seasons.

After that fifth year, Moore was included in Fitterer’s huge gamble to move atop the 2023 NFL draft. In exchange for what would be the rights to quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers shipped off Moore, 2023’s ninth and 61st picks, 2024’s eventual first overall pick and a 2025 second-round pick to the Chicago Bears.

In his first season on the other side, Moore recorded career-highs in receptions (96), receiving yards (1,364) and total touchdowns (nine).

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Bears Week 18 injury report: Jaylon Johnson DNP, Cole Kmet limited Thursday

Here’s a look at the Bears’ Week 18 injury report following Thursday’s practice:

The Chicago Bears (7-9) released their second injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 18 game against the Green Bay Packers (8-8).

Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was once again sidelined with a shoulder injury, although he insists that he “100 percent” expects to play against the Packers on Sunday.

Tight end Cole Kmet, who’s been dealing with a knee injury, returned to practice in limited fashion after missing Wednesday’s practice.

Elsewhere, long snapper Patrick Scales is dealing with a foot injury, wide receiver Darnell Mooney remains in concussion protocol and quarterback Tyson Bagent is dealing with an illness.

Wide receiver DJ Moore (ankle) and running back Khalil Herbert (back) was also limited on Thursday.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Bears and Packers (TBA) after Thursday’s practices:

Chicago Bears

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
QB Tyson Bagent illness DNP DNP
RB Khalil Herbert back — LP
CB Jaylon Johnson shoulder DNP DNP
TE Cole Kmet knee DNP LP
TE Marcedes Lewis rest — DNP
WR Darnell Mooney concussion DNP DNP
WR DJ Moore ankle LP LP
LS Patrick Scales foot DNP DNP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Green Bay Packers

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
CB Jaire Alexander shoulder FP FP
S Zayne Anderson knee LP FP
LB De’Vondre Campbell neck FP FP
RB AJ Dillon thumb/neck DNP DNP
S Rudy Ford hamstring DNP DNP
OL Elgton Jenkins knee/ankle DNP DNP
RB Aaron Jones knee/finger LP LP
LB Isaiah McDuffie concussion/neck DNP DNP
TE Luke Musgrave** kidney LP LP
OL Josh Myers neck LP FP
CB Keisean Nixon quadricep LP FP
S Jonathan Owens knee LP LP
WR Jayden Reed chest LP LP
S Darnell Savage shoulder FP FP
DL T.J. Slaton knee/foot LP LP
LB Preston Smith ankle DNP DNP
OL Luke Tenuta** ankle FP FP
LB Quay Walker shoulder LP FP
WR Christian Watson hamstring LP LP
WR Dontayvion Wicks chest LP FP
RB Emanuel Wilson** shoulder FP FP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

**designated to return from IR

Bears WR DJ Moore reacts to Pro Bowl snub

Bears WR DJ Moore had the perfect reaction to being snubbed from the Pro Bowl.

Bears wide receiver DJ Moore has had a career season in his first year in Chicago, where he’s part of one of the NFL’s best QB-WR duos with teammate Justin Fields.

Moore has career-bests in receptions (92), receiving yards (1,300) and touchdowns (8) through Week 17 — and he was without Fields for four games.

But Moore wasn’t among the wide receivers on the NFC Pro Bowl roster, and there’s little doubt he’s one of the biggest snubs this year.

A.J. Brown, Mike Evans, CeeDee Lamb and rookie Puca Nakua were selected over Moore. While it’s hard to argue against Brown and Lamb, Moore had a strong case to make it over the likes of Evans and Nakua.

Moore took to Twitter (X) to share his reaction to being snubbed — and it’s clear he’s using it as further motivation to be even better.

The good news is the Bears did have two players selected to the Pro Bowl in defensive end Montez Sweat and cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who made their first Pro Bowl.

It’s just more fuel to the fire for Moore, who will be looking to have an even bigger year in 2024 and finally earn his first Pro Bowl nod.

DJ Moore lets Bears front office know he wants Justin Fields back

DJ Moore has been Justin Fields’ biggest supporter, and he continues to urge the Bears to stick with Fields.

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields faces an uncertain future heading into the final week of the 2023 season. But he continues to garner support from his teammates.

No one has been as big a supporter as wide receiver DJ Moore, who’s had a career year in his first year in Chicago with Fields. Moore has eclipsed 1,300 receiving yards for the first time in his career, and the Fields-Moore duo has been among the NFL’s best.

Moore has spoken out several times during this final stretch of games about how he wants Fields back in 2024. Moore indirectly challenged the Bears front office, notably general manager Ryan Poles, to do the right thing and keep Fields.

“He’s ‘Him.’ I want him to be the quarterback,” Moore said, via Ari Meirov. “I said what I said; now it’s on the higher-ups. It’s up to them.”

Now that the Bears have secured the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft — thanks to the Carolina Panthers — the pressure is on general manager Ryan Poles to make an important decision at quarterback.

Poles can trade the No. 1 pick for the second straight year — and get an even bigger haul than he did last year — and continue to build around Fields. Or he can select Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or quarterback of his choosing.

The players have been quite vocal about wanting Fields back next season, and his growth since his return from injury has reportedly made this a difficult decision for the Bears.

This decision will ultimately impact the Bears for the next decade. So no pressure, Poles.

Bears players make it clear they want Justin Fields back in 2024

Justin Fields’ teammates continue to rally around him as the Bears gear up for an important offseason decision.

Bears quarterback Justin Fields faces an uncertain future heading into the final week of his third season.

With Chicago securing the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft — thanks to the Panthers — general manager Ryan Poles has an important decision to make at quarterback this offseason. Stick with Fields or start over with his chosen rookie.

But Bears players once again made it clear they want Fields to be the quarterback moving forward. That includes wide receiver DJ Moore, who’s had a career year with Fields as his QB. And Moore wants to make sure Fields stays with him.

“I’ve said it before I’m going to keep saying it: What makes him not the quarterback?” Moore said. “The Houdini act should’ve put the nail in the– he’s not a running back. He is him… I want him to be the quarterback.”

Defensive end Montez Sweat praised Fields for his rare playmaking ability, something he doesn’t always get credit for.

“He makes plays like Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes but guys don’t really hype it up like they would other quarterbacks bro,” Sweat said. “But he’s one of none. I’m happy he’s on my side.”

Fields shined in what could’ve been his final home game with the Bears, where he accounted for 313 total yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He made the kind of plays that no other quarterback in the NFL can make.

The Soldier Field crowd showered Fields with praise in the form of “We want Fields!” chants, where they made it clear they want him back in 2024. And rest assured Fields and his teammates heard them.

“Of course I heard them,” safety Jaquan Brisker said. “I want Justin. We all want Justin. Let’s go!”

“I did hear those chants,” Moore said. “And I know (the front office’s) box is right there. So I know they heard that stuff, too.”

There’s no doubt Fields has got his teammates’ support, along with the fans. But the decision ultimately comes down to whether Poles believes Fields can lead this team to a championship.

Buckle up, Bears fans, it’s going to be an eventful offseason.

DJ Moore thanks Panthers for clinching Bears 2024’s No. 1 overall pick

Bears WR DJ Moore thanked his old team for clinching his new team the first overall pick of the 2024 draft.

DJ Moore probably wasn’t all that happy when the Carolina Panthers traded him to the Chicago Bears this past spring. Heck, he found out on a phone call while grabbing some packages at the end of his driveway.

But now, almost 10 months later, he seems A-okay—thankful, even.

Coupled with the Arizona Cardinals’ shocking upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina’s 26-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars clinched the Panthers the worst record of the 2023 campaign. That, in turn, clinched Chicago the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft.

So, being that he was an integral part of the blockbuster deal that put the Bears into this position, Moore was asked about the help from his old pals.

The Panthers traded Moore, 2023’s ninth overall pick, 2023’s 61st overall pick, 2024’s eventual first overall pick and a 2025 second-rounder for what were essentially the rights to Bryce Young. Young, ironically enough, struggled in the pick-clinching defeat—throwing for just 112 yards and an interception.

Moore, meanwhile, is wrapping up a career season for the 7-9 Bears. He’s reeled in 92 receptions for 1,300 yards and nine touchdowns.

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WATCH: Bears QB Justin Fields races past defenders for short TD run

Bears QB Justin Fields scored his second touchdown of the game against the Falcons – this time with his legs.

Bears quarterback Justin Fields is one of the few QBs in the NFL who can get scores a couple of different ways.

Fields threw a strike to wide receiver DJ Moore on the Bears’ first drive, and the second drive saw the dual-threat QB cross the goal line on the ground.

The first quarter has been a dazzling display of mastery from Fields, who once again looks to be in complete control of the game. His second touchdown is evidence of that, as he lulled Atlanta’s defense to sleep in the pocket before taking off toward the left sideline, outrunning multiple defenders as he scampered in for the nine-yard score.

Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier had taken offense to the early 14-0 lead, as he scored a long touchdown on their subsequent drive off a screen pass to cut the lead to 14-7 in the second quarter.