Eberfluss, Fields Blown Away by DJ Moore originally appeared nbc sports chicago
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is expected to power the team’s offense this season, and needless to say, he made a big impression on the coaching staff and his new teammates in workouts at Halas Hall.
Moore, acquired by the Bears in a blockbuster trade that gave the Carolina Panthers the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is optimistic he can make a big impact for his new team, and the coaching staff agrees.
“The first thing I (noticed) is the speed,” said head coach Matt Eberflus. “I just saw it yesterday, and I was like ‘wow’. There’s a different gear, you know? It was exciting to watch yesterday.
Eberflus says the receiver, who has more than 50 catches in his first five NFL seasons, combines raw physical ability with stellar technique.
“It’s rare when you have a guy who can run routes and has the route discipline that he has and has that football IQ, and then also has that speed and that talent,” he said.
Quarterback Justin Fields, who is looking to take his stride in his third year in the NFL, is thrilled to have a new offensive weapon to work with.
“People were ringing my phone about the guy who was being traded,” he said. “DJ brings a great talent to this team, and just his personality fit well with everyone when he came here. He’s a hard worker and his personality, the way he works, he’s a great fit for the team.” Fits well together.
Fields says he hopes to get to know Moore better through summer workouts and training camps, focusing on reading his body language and learning where he fits the ball when the receiver is running a route. Can do.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmonds, who signed with the Bears after a successful stint with the Buffalo Bills, says he’s been a longtime fan of Moore, who was drafted the same year.
“I’ve had the pleasure of watching him for a while,” he said. “Seeing the good things he’s done at Carolina makes me happy to know he’s on our team. To see those great plays and big-time catches, and to be there when a play needs to be made.” Someone who does this means a lot to our team. He’s someone who gets you excited about what’s to come.
In 80 career games, Moore has 364 catches for 5,201 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has started all 17 games in each of the last two seasons, recording 63 grabs for 888 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns during his 2022 campaign.
The Bears have added a slew of offensive weapons to help Fields this season, with Moore as the obvious headliner. Tight end Robert Tonin has also signed with the club, and the Bears signed wide receiver Tyler Scott out of Cincinnati and running back RoShawn Johnson out of Texas.
They also signed former Carolina running back D’Onta Freeman, who had 914 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 17 games last season.
