DJ Moore: Stats Take a Backseat to Wins in Chicago

When Winning Trumps Statistics: DJ Moore's Unconventional Approach

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is having one of the most unusual seasons of his NFL career. The four-time 1,000-yard receiver is currently averaging a career-low 41.8 yards per game, with just 38 catches for 502 yards and three touchdowns through 12 games.

Yet, Moore couldn't be happier.

As the Bears sit atop the NFC at 9-3, Moore has adopted a refreshing perspective on his personal statistics that has become his mantra for the season.

"It's irrelevant," Moore told the Sun-Times after practice. "I've had the great seasons with losing records. Right now, I'm just along for this journey, and whenever my number gets called, I do my thing. I didn't go into this year looking for numbers. I was just looking for wins. However we win is fine with me. I couldn't care less what my stats are. My stats are in the win column, so we're good."

This marks the first time in Moore's eight-year career that he's played for a team with a winning record. After seven exasperating years with the Panthers and the early part of this season with the Bears, the 28-year-old is finally experiencing what it's like to win consistently.

"December is freezing when you're losing," Moore said, fresh off a long practice in 20-degree weather. "But when you're winning, you don't really feel the cold."

A Versatile Weapon Underutilized

Despite his reduced numbers, Moore remains one of the NFL's most dangerous playmakers. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson can line him up inside or outside, he has a tremendous grasp of the playbook, and he's effective as both a deep threat and underneath receiver. He's even been effective out of the backfield.

"Moore has the potential to be the most dynamic playmaker in the offense," the Sun-Times report notes.

The dip in production was somewhat expected as Johnson sought to broaden the attack and make it more unpredictable with additional weapons for defenses to monitor. However, it also reflects an untapped resource that could be key to the Bears' playoff success.

As head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged this week, "We're winning in spite of our passing game, not because of it."

The Perfect Complement

Rookie Rome Odunze has made a significant leap in his second season with 44 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns. But the Bears didn't draft him with the intention of replacing or reducing Moore's output. The vision was for them to become an overwhelming duo for quarterback Caleb Williams, similar to what teams like the Bengals, Vikings, and Eagles have accomplished with multiple top-tier receivers.

At 28 and very much still in his prime, Moore averaged 1,076 yards over his first seven seasons. He remains one of the NFL's most dangerous runners once he has the ball, combining speed, agility, and vision after the catch.

What sets Moore apart is his approach to the game. Even with the second-highest salary on the team, he works like everybody else on the roster without the diva antics often associated with star receivers.

"He is excellent to work with," offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said. "We would love for all of our guys to be flourishing and having success, [and] that's going to come with the passing game being a little more detailed and improved. I've seen a guy that hasn't wavered at all."

Moore's impact extends beyond the field. The Bears recently announced that he's their Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner, making him one of 32 finalists to win the leaguewide award in February.

Looking Ahead

As the Bears head into the final stretch of the regular season and the playoffs, getting the passing game to full capacity is a high priority. With a healthy and motivated DJ Moore, who has proven his worth in more ways than just statistics, the offense has the potential to elevate to another level.

When the Bears need a big play, they know they have one of the league's most dynamic playmakers ready to step up. Whether his personal statistics improve or not, DJ Moore's impact on winning is undeniable in Chicago.