Bears News: DJ Moore building chemistry with Fields |
CHICAGO - Going into the second week of organized team activities (OTAs), it has been essential for new wide receiver DJ Moore and developing his chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields.
While it is not where it needs to be, these voluntary practices are assisting in getting both of them where they need to be. “Still a work in progress. (The second day of OTAs) was a good day to jumpstart that, been on the same page a few times early on,” Moore said. “Going right now, I’d say he’s on par to be great for the season, so that’s all I’m seeing.” During his five years with the Carolina Panthers, Moore had eight different starting quarterbacks, including free-agent signee PJ Walker. Three of those quarterbacks were from this past season when the Panthers were in turmoil, not able to decide between Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Walker. Coming into a situation with the Bears where he already knows the starting quarterback must be refreshing. Our first look at Justin Fields throwing the ball to DJ Moore.
Nonetheless, he believes that he and Fields need to work on their relationship off the field. “You know, we can have the connection on the field,” Moore said. “When you go deeper into it, it’s the off-the-field relationship, like the locker room relationship, even outside the work relationship.” That off-the-field relationship should not be a problem for Fields and the Bears, and neither should the on-the-field connection. Despite Carolina’s upheaval at quarterback, Moore managed to get a total of 888 receiving yards, which was actually his lowest since his rookie season when the Panthers also had three different quarterbacks start a game. He did have a career-high in touchdown receptions, however, with seven. That is more than any wide receiver on the Bears last season; the only player with that many touchdown receptions last season was tight end Cole Kmet, who will now be sharing reps with Robert Tonyan. The one thing perhaps working against Moore is his personality. Personality and energy is always a great thing to bring to an NFL team. However, sometimes that needs to be held in check on the football field. Back in Week 8 of last season, the Panthers were playing their division rivals, the Atlanta Falcons. Late in the game, with seconds to spare, Moore caught a touchdown that tied the game 34-34. However, he took his helmet off during a touchdown celebration, and the team was penalized 15 yards, which was enforced on the extra point attempt. Former Bears kicker, Eddie Piñeiro, missed the attempt. The game went into overtime, and the Panthers ultimately lost. Back during the COVID season, he was also fined $10,000 for breaking COVID-19 protocols. These are only isolated incidents but are still noteworthy. Those incidents were also back in Carolina, and he is getting a fresh start with a solid quarterback room in Chicago. He does seem to take a positive approach to that, explaining how every season has its own unique learning opportunities. “I look at every year as something new,” Moore explained. “So, even when I was in Carolina for the five years, every year, it was something new for me. So, going in there, this is pretty easy.” The first week of OTAs concluded on Friday May 26. The second week starts tomorrow on Tuesday, May 30, and will continue for three straight days. OTAs are all voluntary; players will not be required to come to practice until Veteran Minicamp starts on Tuesday, June 13.
Bonus throw to Velus Jones included. pic.twitter.com/nspim7rdYS
