Justin Fields had no more vocal supporter in the locker room following the 2023 season than DJ Moore. It wasn’t a big surprise. The two had great chemistry throughout the year. Moore had the best season of his career, topping 1300 yards receiving. No wonder he backed his guy. However, the Chicago Bears were set on their course after they secured the #1 pick for the second year in a row. GM Ryan Poles couldn’t justify passing on a quarterback a second time. Fields hadn’t played well enough, and his contract would only get more expensive. The Bears opted to trade the embattled starter to Pittsburgh, where he’d get a fresh start. They then turned around and selected USC star Caleb Williams last week.
Once it became clear this was happening, Moore took the opportunity to get to know his new quarterback. They shared dinner together during Williams’ private visit with the Bears. He apparently liked what he heard. That soon led to a throwing session with Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze right before the draft. Those sessions have picked up in frequency since Williams’ arrival became official. Moore sat down with Mirror US Sports where he was asked about the young QB. He admitted to already seeing one major strength Williams has that Fields didn’t.
DJ Moore sees the possibilities already.
One of the key strengths a quarterback needs at the NFL level is timing and anticipation. They must be willing and able to throw to spots on a field where a receiver will be, not where they are. This leads to easier completions and great opportunities for yards after the catch. That was the most persistent problem with Fields. He always seemed a second or two late on his reads, waiting for receivers to be clearly open before throwing it. This is what led to lots of pressures, sacks, and passes not being on target.
Based on what DJ Moore said, Williams has no problems with this. He understands how to throw with timing and rhythm. He’s even at a point where he is directing receivers on where he wants them to be when the ball is out. For a strong route-runner like Moore, this must be music to his ears. Few quarterbacks he’s played with had such capability. Williams might be the best he’s ever played with. It appears they’re already building chemistry for the upcoming season. Moore sounds excited.
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You know, it’s a normal human reaction to be over the top with praise or criticism at this time of the year. We want the season to start so badly we can taste it. It’s also normal to protect oneself from being either of those things too. Skepticism is good. It keeps us honest about things. Congratulations to those who predicted well about Caleb, but he’s acknowledged himself that there’s a lot of work to do. Rock on Caleb. Go show the rest of the team you’re the horse drawing the carriage and not the extra baggage they heard before… Read more »
When was the last time the Bears had a QB and surrounding talent that people even thought could be able to actually able to take over a game for a win. I know CW hasn’t even played a game, but it’s nice to dream. The last QB the Bears had that had enough talent to carry the Bears on his shoulders was Cutler and he was sporadic as hell.
Two things Bryce Young and Caleb Williams have in common:
▪︎ arm talent — to include: accuracy, surprising strength, anticipation and touch.
▪︎ “poise in the noise” — A.K.A. pocket awareness, full field vision and a slow heart rate at crunch time (2-minute offense in end of half; and end of game situations).
Each was ranked at the top of his draft class.
There’s no such thing as a guarantee in the NFL — but each player has too much going for him to “bust” IMHO.
Isn’t that right, @BearCub30?
Even if Young had done as well as Stroud last year, I would have still chosen Stroud both then and now. Stroud’s physical, mental, and emotional attributes a long with his big game production are close to ideal for a good NFL QB. Just on its face, Stroud was the obvious choice. I am sure Young will continue to improve too.
Nobody fully knows what Williams will become. He could still end up being a bust. The smart money is definitely Caleb number 1 pick. I obviously was really high on Daniels about 4 months before the draft. He went 2nd overall and could end up better than Williams (which I doubt). The crazy part is I have a gut feeling Caleb will not be good. Now hear me out before I get crazy down voted. I have a horrible gut which means this is a really good thing!!! I had no gut feelings about Fields and I thought he was… Read more »