One of the biggest surprises in the Chicago Bears’ blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 was receiver DJ Moore’s lack of involvement.
Moore was targeted just twice (as well as on a failed two-point conversion) — on the same drive — where he caught both passes for 25 yards. It wasn’t what everyone expected for Chicago’s new WR1.
Buy Bears TicketsBears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy met with the media on Thursday, where he fielded questions about the offense’s failures in Week 1. As far as Moore’s usage goes, Getsy pointed to several reasons why he wasn’t more involved — while also indicating that Moore was — and will continue to be — a focal point moving forward.
“It was definitely a disappointment,” Getsy said of Moore’s minimal role. “There are a lot of reasons why things happen. Protection could’ve broken down on a particular play for him, Justin maybe just didn’t see something on a particular play. There’s a lot of things that go into it. We’re definitely calling plays for DJ, and he knows that. He wasn’t frustrated by any of that. Sometimes, it’s just the way the coverage dictates where the quarterback has to go with the football too.
“He’s going to be a big part of that plan.”
For what it’s worth, quarterback Justin Fields did take accountability when it comes to Moore’s limited role during the opener, saying he was “too conservative” and should’ve attacked downfield more.
“Definitely with guys like DJ and Chase (Claypool) on the outside, if we do have one-on-one on the outside, potentially throwing it up and seeing what happens,” Fields said “With them, they’re great playmakers and they can most likely come up with a 50-50 ball. Definitely want to give them more chances deep down the field.”
We’ll see if things change Sunday when the Bears face a talented Tampa Bay Buccaneers team, including a defense that will be keyed in on Moore.
Moore, who used to play the Bucs twice a year when he was with the Carolina Panthers, has found plenty of success against Tampa Bay. According to Josh Schrock, Moore has 58 catches for 766 yards, which are both the most he’s put up against any opponent. He also has three touchdowns against Tampa, which are tied for the second most of any opponent he’s faced.
Simply put, the time to get Moore involved is now.
