D.J. Moore Has A Key Strength That Makes Him Perfect For Bears’ Offense

The Chicago Bears had one of the most vexing issues with their offense last season. They had the #1 rushing attack in the league by a comfortable margin, amassing 3,014 yards on the ground. In such a situation, common sense dictates that they would have lots of success with the play action pass since opponents would have to respect the run. Yet Justin Fields only managed 759 yards through the air in 15 games. By contrast, Baltimore had the #2 rushing attack. Lamar Jackson 814 yards on play action fakes despite playing three fewer games than Fields. Jalen Hurts, who also started 15 games, had 1,094 yards. This is where D.J. Moore comes into the picture.

While play action is a great way to help receivers catch cornerbacks flat-footed on fakes, many aren’t capable of taking advantage. Moore is different. He showed several times at Carolina that he could be lethal on play fakes. Shawn Syed showed this on The Underdog Football Show. Moore has the ability to accelerate quickly, forcing cornerbacks to respect his speed. Then he utilized his quickness and stop-start ability to manufacture space, giving his quarterback an easy throwing window.

D.J. Moore thrives when his team runs the ball.

Last season was proof. Carolina ran the ball poorly through the first six games, and Moore struggled. When Steve Wilks took over as interim head coach, he recommitted to running the ball consistently. As a result, Moore amassed 684 and six touchdowns over the final 11 games. Had they gone with this approach from the beginning, the receiver would’ve had his fourth-consecutive 1,000-yard season. Now he joins an offense where running the ball is the primary identity. Moore couldn’t have asked for a better situation.

Chicago still has a loaded stable of running backs led by Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, and D’Onta Foreman. Together with Fields himself, this team should continue to produce on the ground. The difference this time is D.J. Moore. Defenses won’t be able to load the box without much fear of getting burned through the air. He and Darnell Mooney make for a frightening combination of speed and route-running skills to torch secondaries with endless double moves.