Bears stock market: DJ Moore struggles as Bears edge past Vikings
The Chicago Bears managed to secure a hard-fought victory against the Minnesota Vikings, thanks to yet another thrilling fourth-quarter comeback that has become their hallmark this season. However, not all performances on the roster could be celebrated, as some glaring issues came to light—most notably the baffling lack of chemistry between quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver DJ Moore.
Olamide Zaccheaus fades into the background
In an effort to revitalize their receiving corps, Bears fans got what they wished for: a notable reduction in Olamide Zaccheaus’ involvement. Playing only 10 snaps against the Vikings, Zaccheaus was completely absent in the stat sheet, failing to register a single target. His diminished role only underscored the emergence of Luther Burden III, who, despite modest stats of three catches for 27 yards, made a significant impact on the field.
Zaccheaus, a veteran who previously served as a reliable third or fourth receiver, has now been relegated to a backup position. His limited upside became apparent as Burden stepped into the spotlight, suggesting the rookie is ready to take on a more prominent role in the Bears’ offense.
DJ Moore’s troubling performance
The connection between Williams and Moore remains a puzzle. Early in the game, Williams missed Moore on an open route, which led to questions about their timing and communication. Adding to the frustration, Moore had a critical drop during a crucial drive, leaving fans scratching their heads about what has gone wrong. At the end of the day, Moore finished with just one catch for 18 yards—not the performance expected from a player with a salary exceeding $20 million this season.
Moore’s struggles stand in stark contrast to the consistent play of fellow receivers Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland, who are still finding their footing. With Odunze managing two catches for 41 yards, it’s clear the Bears need Moore to elevate his game to provide the offensive support expected of a player of his caliber.
Special teams’ mixed bag
The Vikings were largely ineffective until Myles Price delivered a game-changing 43-yard punt return in the fourth quarter, giving Minnesota prime field position. This set the stage for Jordan Mason to score a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 16-10. However, in a moment reminiscent of earlier in the season, Cairo Santos, the usually reliable kicker, missed a critical kick that allowed Minnesota to take the lead.
While it’s important to recognize that the special teams’ struggles ultimately contributed to the Bears’ victory, they are also a reminder that the team needs to improve in all phases of the game. The defense may have stepped up when it mattered most, but they wouldn’t have faced such pressure if special teams had performed up to standard from the start.
Looking ahead for the Bears
The Bears face a critical juncture as they move forward in the season. With players like Moore needing to step up and contribute more significantly, and with the young talent starting to emerge, the focus will be on how well the team can gel in the coming weeks. The road ahead will test their resilience and adaptability as they strive to build on this narrow victory.
