The Chicago Bears have been one of the most surprising teams in the 2023 season, thanks to the explosive chemistry between their quarterback Justin Fields and their wide receiver DJ Moore. The pair have combined for 1,234 yards and 12 touchdowns through the first 10 games, leading the league in both categories. How did they develop such a strong connection in such a short time?
Fields and Moore were both acquired by the Bears in the offseason, in a bold move by new general manager Ryan Poles. Fields was drafted with the 11th overall pick, after the Bears traded up with the New York Giants. Moore was traded from the Carolina Panthers, along with a 2024 first-round pick, for linebacker Roquan Smith and a 2023 second-round pick.
The two players had never met before, but they quickly hit it off when they arrived in Chicago. Fields invited Moore and his family to dinner on his first night in town, and they also attended a Bulls game together with fellow receivers Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool. Fields said he wanted to build camaraderie with his new teammates, especially his No. 1 target.
“I think it’s important, being the quarterback, for me to build that camaraderie with everyone,” Fields said, via ChicagoBears.com.
“I’ve known DJ for a little bit now. I can tell he loves the game, he’s a hard worker, and, of course, he’s talented. He’s proven that over the past few years playing with the Panthers. So, it’s great to have him; another weapon to add to our offense. He’s going to bring a lot of energy, a lot of leadership to the room. Everybody’s excited to have him, so it’s going to be fun.”
Moore echoed Fields’ sentiments, saying he was impressed by the rookie’s maturity and confidence.
“He’s a great leader, he’s a great person, he’s a great quarterback,” Moore said. “He has a lot of poise, he has a lot of swagger. He knows what he wants to do on the field, and he knows how to get it done. He makes my job easier because he puts the ball where it needs to be. He trusts me to make plays for him, and I trust him to make the right decisions.”
The trust and rapport between Fields and Moore were evident from the start of training camp when they dazzled fans and media with their deep connections and highlight-reel catches. They carried that momentum into the regular season, where they have torched defenses with their speed, athleticism, and versatility.
Fields has shown remarkable improvement from his rookie year when he struggled with accuracy and decision-making behind a shaky offensive line. He has completed 67% of his passes for 2,789 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions, with a passer rating of 105.6. He has also rushed for 456 yards and four touchdowns on 68 carries.
Moore has been equally impressive in his first year with the Bears, after posting three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Panthers. He has caught 68 passes for 1,234 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 18.1 yards per catch. He leads the league in receiving yards and touchdowns and is second in yards per game (123.4).
The duo has been especially dominant in clutch situations, such as third downs and red zone opportunities. They have converted 24 of 36 third-down targets for 18 first downs and six touchdowns. They have also connected on nine of 12 red zone targets for eight touchdowns.
Fields and Moore have also displayed a knack for making big plays downfield. They have hooked up on 17 passes of 20 yards or more, including six of 40 yards or more. Their longest completion was a 75-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in Week 6.
The Bears are currently 7-3 and tied for first place in the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings. They have won five of their last six games, scoring an average of 31 points per game in that span. Fields and Moore have been instrumental in their offensive resurgence, giving them a dynamic duo that can challenge any defense in the league.
Fans and analysts have been raving about Fields and Moore on social media, comparing them to some of the best quarterback-receiver tandems in NFL history.
Here are some of their reactions:
@Chicago_NFL: The connection is growing stronger!💪
Fields to DJ! 1️⃣➡️2️⃣ #Bears
@ProFootballTalk: How the Chemistry Between Justin Fields and DJ Moore Can Work for the Bears
Can new Bears teammates Justin Fields and DJ Moore ignite one of the NFL’s worst offenses,
and in the process become Chicago’s next major sports duo?
@NFLNetwork: Justin Fields reacts to acquisition of DJ Moore by Chicago Bears
Fields says he’s excited to play with Moore,
who gives him a bonafide No. 1 wide receiver that he’s been lacking.
@AdamSchefter: Bears OTA observations: Justin Fields-DJ Moore connection makes splash
The pair have combined for several deep completions,
including a 45-yard strike during a two-minute drill.
@BleacherReport: Bears OTA observations: Justin Fields-DJ Moore connection finds end zone
The duo punctuated the day by hooking up for a touchdown
in which Moore beat Kindle Vildor with a double move.
Fields and Moore have shown that they are more than just teammates; they are friends who share a passion for football and winning. They have also shown that they are more than just talented players; they are stars who can elevate each other’s game and make history together.
As they continue to grow and develop their chemistry on and off the field,
they have a chance to become one of the greatest duos in NFL history.
Recommended for You
- Discover the Best Football Management Games like NFL Head Coach.
- The Decline of the Kick Return: NFL Votes to Limit a Thrilling Play.
- Can NFL Players Wear Number 0?
- Miami Dolphins’ Dominant Cornerback Unit Tops ESPN Rankings, Fueling Excitement.
- Tom Brady May Walk Away from $375 Million Broadcasting Deal with Fox.
- Kansas City Chiefs Star’s Brother Jackson Mahomes Arrested on Aggravated Sexual Battery Charges
- The Year of Patrick Mahomes: A Look Back at the Quarterback’s Incredible Achievements.
- New York Giants Offer Astonishing Contract Extension to Saquon Barkley.
- Rams select Desjuan Johnson as Mr. Irrelevant to end the 2023 NFL Draft
- Who got drafted in the NFL 2023? Complete List.
- NFL Christmas Day Games: A Gift for Football Fans.
- NFL Plans to Dominate Christmas Day with Three Games
- Antonio Brown invites Cam Newton to join him in the NAL.