Justin Fields emerged as one of the most dangerous running quarterbacks in recent NFL memory last season. Nobody disputes his ability to change games with his legs. However, most people aren’t ready to crown him yet. They know he still hasn’t taken enough steps as a passer. Finishing with the lowest yards per game total last season didn’t help his case. Some continue to wonder if he has the vision and processing speed to handle complete professional defenses. That is where D.J. Moore comes in.
One of the most persistent arguments in favor of Fields was that he had little help at wide receiver last year. Nobody really stepped up to make plays for the Bears quarterback outside of Darnell Mooney. That should change with Moore in town. The two are already building a strong connection. Kevin Patra of NFL.com ranked them as the fifth-best new quarterback-receiver duo in the league this year. He explained that one key trait of Moore’s would be what elevates Fields to the next level.
“Moore’s ability to win off the line of scrimmage will immediately boost Fields. Last season, the Bears quarterback routinely had to wait awhile for his receivers to come open — and yes, sometimes he took too long to process. Moore provides a target that’ll be available from hut.
Fields proved last season he’s an electric playmaker with his legs. He also showed brief flashes that he could get there with his arm. Now the Bears need him to be more consistent in that latter area.
With better offensive line play and surrounding talent, Fields is in a much better position to succeed in Year 3. Now it’s on the young QB to make the leap.”
D.J. Moore possesses the trait Chicago covets most.
Sharp-eyed fans will have watched previous episodes of 1920 Football Drive on YouTube. During a particular segment, the Bears showed a charge of every position and which traits they prioritized. One would think for receivers, it would be speed or strong hands. Nope. Their biggest priority was “release.” Or the ability to win off the line of scrimmage. That is what most often separates the good receivers from everybody else. If they can escape the jam consistently in press coverage, it becomes far easier to gain separation.
That was the constant issue for Bears receivers last year. Most of them had nothing close to a good release save more Mooney. D.J. Moore changes that. Now Fields has somebody he can trust to be where he’s supposed to be on almost every play, which should lead to better timing routes. That creates a better rhythm, allowing the quarterback to keep defenses on their heels. It sounds crazy to think one player can have such an impact, but that is the case. Fans who have followed Fields since college saw the same thing with Chris Olave at Ohio State.
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