In the midst of a revamped receiving corps, DJ Moore has emerged as the clear leader, fueling a “race to 1,000” yards among his fellow wideouts. Following a blockbuster offseason trade that brought Keenan Allen to Chicago and the drafting of Rome Odunze, Moore’s competitive fire was ignited. The result? A career-best 1,364 receiving yards and eight touchdowns last season, with no other Bears receiver exceeding 414 yards and one TD.
Fast-forward to this season, and Moore’s dominance continues. Through five games, he boasts 294 yards receiving, 58.8 yards per game, and three touchdowns, ranking top 10 among receivers in targets, red zone targets, and touchdowns. His connection with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has been pivotal, with Williams posting an 82.1 QBR when targeting Moore.
Moore’s impressive stats are a testament to his hard work and dedication. According to Next Gen Stats, he had +15.1 receptions over expected in 2023, the second-most in the league. His achievements have earned him a four-year, $110 million extension, with $82.6 million guaranteed, making him one of the league’s top wideouts.
Behind Moore, Odunze has shown promise, with 15 catches for 206 yards and a touchdown, while Allen has struggled with a heel injury, limiting him to 10 catches for 81 yards in three games. As the Bears prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in England, Moore’s chances of adding to his impressive numbers look promising, given the Jaguars’ league-high 287.8 passing yards per game.
What’s clear is that Moore is Chicago’s No. 1 receiver, and his veteran presence has been instrumental in Williams’ development. With his patience and guidance, the Bears’ offense is starting to click, and Moore’s leadership is a key factor in their success.
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