D.J. Moore might have been in bounds on a Bears TD but even the replay was unclear

The Chicago Bears rolled early Thursday night en route to a 27-3 halftime lead. Justin Fields continued a recent hot streak with three first-half touchdown passes. And D.J. Moore racked up two touchdowns and over 100 yards receiving on just five catches in under 16 minutes of play. But soon, with one of the NFL’s worst defenses, Chicago was trying to stem the tide of a furious Washington Commanders rally. (Never mind that Ron Rivera seemed weirdly interested in helping Chicago out.)

After Washington brought the margin to 27-14, the Bears went to a familiar well — Moore, their No. 1 receiver. He beat Emmanuel Forbes on a short curl route and found himself with nothing but green grass in front of him. For a moment, it looked like he’d streak away for a decisive score.

Except the officials curiously blew the play dead. Why? They thought Moore stepped out of bounds. Uh … did he?

DJ wanted even Moore. #CHIvsWAS on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/YCeYJnyJmB pic.twitter.com/DsCFQjstjV

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2023

I know the initial camera angle isn’t entirely clear, but that felt like a pretty consequential play at the time. Is it really impossible to see another better view?

DJ Moore was LIVID that he was ruled out here pic.twitter.com/Pc1TUTxY1v

— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) October 6, 2023

That wasn’t any better! There is someone literally standing in front of the camera at the key moment. Given that the Bears were trying to hold off the Commanders, it feels negligible that someone didn’t have another quality view of the play.

Fortunately for Moore, he’d put the icing on the cake for the Bears in their first win of the 2023 season:

DJ MOORE
DJ MOORE
DJ MOORE

A hat trick in his 5th game as a Bear! @idjmoore#CHIvsWAS on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/YCeYJnyJmB pic.twitter.com/llD1Ppb7vb

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2023

I suppose that’s what great players do, though: They erase all doubt when they get the opportunity. In this case, Moore had eight catches for 230 yards and three touchdowns. That’s how you make up for any poor officiating.