Bears QB coach offers insight into what makes DJ Moore special

It’s been a long time since the Chicago Bears had an offensive weapon like wide receiver DJ Moore. Perhaps the last player who combined similar football smarts with game-breaking ability was running back Matt Forte, who starred in Chicago for eight seasons from 2008-2015.

It’s been even longer since the Bears had a wide receiver who can challenge defenses on all three levels of the field. Moore is that kind of player. He’s as much of a threat down the field as he is in the screen game and after the catch.

What makes Moore so unique, however, is his blend of top-shelf athletic ability and a high on-field IQ. Bears quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko met with reporters Wednesday and said Moore’s the kind of player who’s always open, in part, because of his intellect.

“He’s so smooth getting out of breaks,” Janocko said. “He gets off the line. He’s savvy … he’s really smart. And with a smart player, a smart receiver, the way they can get off, the way they can beat press, the way they can beat cloud, the way they understand coverages, it really helps you get open so you’re not even thinking about, ‘Is he in the window.’ He’s in the window.”

Moore entered the NFL as a first-round pick in 2018 and has since recorded 364 catches for 5,201 yards and 21 touchdowns.

The trade for DJ Moore headlined the Chicago Bears’ commitment to building around Justin Fields this offseason. The duo has been a daily highlight reel during OTAs.

“They’ve gotten better and better throughout camp,” receivers coach Tyke Tolbert said. ‘Really pleased where they are this spring.”

Chicago Bears fans aren’t used to this level of optimism this time of year. Perhaps it’s because the 2023 Bears are different. The offense has real playmakers, headlined by Fields and strengthened by DJ Moore.

The Bears will host a mandatory full-squad minicamp from June 13-15 before breaking for training camp, which is expected to take place in late July.