The key to the Chicago Bears unlocking D.J. Moore

It took four weeks but we finally saw the connection between D.J. Moore and Caleb Williams that Chicago Bears fans have needed to see. The way that these two have connected should not be surprising and should be a formula that the Bears return to often. 

The Bears cashed in on two deep targets, 20 yards down the field or longer in week five. Williams was 2-2 when targeting Moore deep for 64 yards and two touchdowns. What is interesting to note is that Williams had only targeted Moore deep down the field twice all season before that game. In four weeks they only completed one out of two targets, and it was off of a tipped hail mary. 

The Chicago Bears need to target D.J. Moore in a specific area of the field

In week five, 25% of his targets were deep down the field while that rate was just 13.3% in the first four games. This is pretty surprising when you consider the type of receiver Moore is. His best year with the Panthers was when they used him primarily as a deep ball threat. It is why he had such an instant connection with Justin Fields as well, that is where Fields was best as a passer.

Last year Moore had a 24.2% deep field target rate. In 2022, it was even higher at 27.2% Even with his 25% rate in week five, that is only up to 17.5% this season. 

Needless to say, the Bears need to look to get Moore involved downfield more often in the upcoming weeks. Some of this is due to play calling, as Moore went from 11.9% of his targets being behind the line of scrimmage last year to 16.7% this year and 20% this year. 

Some of this is due to the offensive line not buying Williams the time, but some of it is due to Williams having to trust Moore on these passes and give him the chance to make a play down the field. As these two figure out their connection, we should expect to see a big increase in his targets and production in the deep passing game.