DJ Moore Under Scrutiny After Ben Johnson’s Ambiguous Remarks
Is DJ Moore feeling the heat from the Bears’ coaching staff? Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson recently delivered a message that many fans suspect may have been aimed at the star wide receiver as the team gears up for their Week 3 matchup.
Candid Comments Spark Speculation
Johnson faced reporters on Monday and hinted at concerns regarding the performance of the Bears’ skill players when the ball wasn’t in their hands. His remarks suggested that changes could be imminent as the team prepares for a crucial week of practice.
“There were some plays there yesterday that we weren’t quite as pleased with what that looked like on tape,” Johnson stated. “So, we’re going to find out this week at practice who wants to practice hard and who wants to be a little bit more involved with the game plan here going into Sunday.”
Evaluating the Roster
To decipher whom Johnson might have been addressing, let’s break down the performances of the Bears’ skill players. Rome Odunze shone with the best game of his career against the Lions, while Cole Kmet continues to exemplify professionalism in his role. Colston Loveland had limited snaps, playing only 36, and Olamide Zaccheaus showed resilience on the field. As for D’Andre Swift, he has been a solid contributor as well.
This analysis naturally leads to the most logical conclusion: Johnson’s comments may have been a pointed critique of DJ Moore.
Moore’s Performance Metrics
Moore’s performance metrics support this theory. The wide receiver garnered a Pro Football Focus grade of just 57.3 overall, with a disappointing run-blocking grade of 54.5. This underwhelming performance could certainly be a concern for a player whose future involvement in the game plan might be at stake.
It is noteworthy that while Odunze received the worst run-blocking grade on the team (29.7), Johnson has consistently praised him throughout the offseason. This suggests that one rough performance may not impact Odunze’s standing significantly.
Looking Ahead
With Johnson’s comments hanging in the air, it’s clear that DJ Moore’s contributions will be under scrutiny as the Bears prepare for their upcoming game. The seasoned receiver may need to elevate his game if he hopes to maintain a prominent role in the offense going forward.
