The Chicago Bears may have pieced together their most complete game of the season on Sunday in a 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams. But while the 2-2 Bears are starting to show more cohesion, it’s pretty clear that much of their operation is still a work in progress.
READ MORE: D.J. Moore denied talking trash about Caleb Williams during SNF loss
One of those critical niches is the developing connection between Caleb Williams and No. 1 receiver D.J. Moore. Through four games, while we see flashes now and then, there have been more than a few instances where it’s apparent that these two must still work on their chemistry. The best example from Sunday was Moore slowing down on a route toward the end zone where he thought he was just supposed to run a clear.
Williams, on the other hand, went through his progressions and put it in a place only his receiver could catch it for what should have been a touchdown.
Unfortunately, Moore slowed down and gave up on the play, and the Bears had to settle for a field goal at the end of the first half:
D.J. Moore and Caleb Williams still not on the same page.pic.twitter.com/jn7TVyo2kP
— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) September 29, 2024
After the play, Moore and Williams were seen discussing what went wrong and how they would try to rectify it later in the game:
Caleb Williams and D.J. Moore on the sideline after the missed connection on the play.pic.twitter.com/HIzqy34xTa
— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) September 29, 2024
This conversation clearly paid off with immediate dividends, as Williams delivered an absolute laser throw to Moore in the fourth quarter for the duo’s first-ever touchdown together:
.@CALEBcsw with a DIME to @idjmoore 😮💨
📺: #LARvsCHI on FOX pic.twitter.com/VuNxyUUWWY
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 29, 2024
On Monday, in his usual interview with 670 The Score, Moore took responsibility for Williams missing him on the initial throw.
It’s a mature perspective from a veteran receiver still working out the kinks with the hopeful future face of the franchise:
DJ Moore takes the blame for missed connection up the right sideline in which Caleb Williams overthrew him. Moore slowed down a bit.
"He thought one thing and me another on a conversion route … He wanted me to stay straight. It was on me," Moore says.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) September 30, 2024
Yes, Williams to Moore is a work in progress for the Bears. But it’s nice to see tiny real-time glimpses like that show they’re coming along in the right way. And when/if they finally have everything down pat, the rest of the NFL better watch out.
