If Chicago Bears fans rewatched the Monday night game against the Minnesota Vikings, there were mistakes all over the field, especially in the fourth quarter that resulted in them losing. One moment seems to have captured everyone's attention for the wrong reasons.
There was a play where Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was looking to throw it deep near the end zone to wide receiver DJ Moore, but it was overthrown. That was one of 14 incompletions by Williams, which resulted in a 60% completion percentage and led to questions about his accuracy.
Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle came to Williams' defense during his press conference, as that pass wasn't on Williams. Instead, it was on Moore.
"That wasn't designed. It was not designed. He's running an out cut, he felt himself in space and sometimes guys are football players and they feel that and they're putting their hand up. So, obviously, people look at it and say, 'Hey, they're not on the same page' and we weren't in that case, but that's something that we've looked at and that's getting corrected."
Caleb Williams bad overthrow that could have lead to a DJ Moore touchdown was because Moore ran the wrong route, says Bears OC Declan Doyle. pic.twitter.com/XlLC5Hhp3v
— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) September 11, 2025
Does that one play show of things to come for Bears' offense?
Overall, Moore played well in the game as he caught three of his five targets for a team-high 68 yards in the loss. He was also featured in the backfield and got three carries for eight yards.
There have been instances where receivers or tight ends will improvise on a pass play, and it would work out. It's not super uncommon in football, but this one was a rough mistake on Moore's part.
It's a learning lesson for Moore to not go off the script and run the routes that are being called. The only time where a passing route should be improvised is if they are in a scramble drill.
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The Bears need to make sure they get back on track and on the same page against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Any more of those mistakes and it could bite them big time.