Social media can be an odd space at times. Based on what’s seen on social platforms and Sunday broadcasts, some people have formed the impression that Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore has an issue with quarterback Caleb Williams—specifically with his play.
Moore has been seen on the sidelines or during games after missed connections with Williams, displaying reactions that suggest frustration.
This was particularly noticeable during the Bears’ Week 2 loss to the Houston Texans, where Moore appeared visibly frustrated after several plays. He later expressed regret over how his body language came across during that game.
DJ Moore isn’t frustrated with his rookie quarterback
There’s no doubt that there have been some missed connections between Caleb Williams and DJ Moore, likely more than with anyone else on the team. However, Moore emphasized on Wednesday that his frustration is with the missed connections, not with Williams himself. He understands what Williams is going through as a rookie and doesn’t blame him for the growing pains.
“We were all rookies once,” Moore said when asked about managing the rookie quarterback’s development as a veteran. “As a vet, I know what he’s experiencing. You can be frustrated with your own play, but not with a young guy who’s still learning.”
Moore is no stranger to working with young quarterbacks—Williams is the seventh regular starting quarterback he’s played with. While Moore likely hopes Williams will be the last, he’s always supported his quarterbacks, a list that includes Cam Newton, Kyle Allen, Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and Justin Fields. Even leading up to the NFL Draft, Moore continued to speak positively about Fields in the media.
During Sunday’s game, Moore and Williams had a miscommunication when Williams overthrew him in the end zone near the end of the first half. The two were seen discussing the play on the sideline, and both took responsibility for the error in their media availability on Wednesday.
“We were both frustrated after the missed touchdown. He came over, we talked, and got on the same page right then. There shouldn’t be any more mishaps like that going forward,” Moore said.
Moore explained the play further, saying that he adjusted his route based on how the defensive back played it, but Williams expected him to run straight. “Now, we’re going with Caleb’s read, and we’ll get it right.”
When asked if he tries to impose his preferences on routes and ball placement, Moore said he’s the type of receiver who just trusts the process and goes out there to execute.
Later in the game, Moore and Williams connected for their first touchdown of the season. Moore praised Williams’ decision to throw the ball into a tight window, calling it a “dot.” He acknowledged that he was the second or third read on the play but knew he should get the ball since he was matched up one-on-one with a linebacker. He joked that if Williams hadn’t made that read, they’d be having another sideline chat.
Despite speculation about tension between the two, it seems Moore and Williams are building a strong rapport. While some may seek drama, there doesn’t appear to be any between Williams and Moore, as they continue working toward better chemistry.
