LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — In the offseason program, new Bears head coach Ben Johnson has put an emphasis on proper body language for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, the budding leader of his football team.
The same goes for veteran receiver DJ Moore, whose body language was easy to read last season. As the Bears’ season spiraled with a 10-game losing streak, Moore's frustration was evident.
Johnson has vowed to clean up the Bears’ culture. It’s why he wants Williams, Moore and the rest of his players to understand that their actions are important.
“Just don’t do it,” Moore said of his past showcases of frustration. “Just keep it inside. Talk about it later. Just don’t put it on film. Don’t put it on TV so (the media) can’t run with it. That’s how it is.”
Moore signed a lucrative contract extension last July and then hauled in a career-best 98 receptions in 2024, but his skill set wasn't well-utilized in the Bears' offense. His 9.9 yards per catch was a career-low mark by a wide margin, and he averaged just 56.8 receiving yards per game after averaging a career-best 80.2 receiving yards per game in 2023. Moore's displeasure was also on display at times.
When the Bears introduced Johnson as their new head coach on Jan. 22, Moore was present at Halas Hall. He ended a family vacation at Disney World early to return to Lake Forest.
Now in his eighth NFL season, the 28-year-old Moore sees a fresh opportunity playing for Johnson.
“What we’ve seen (during the offseason program) has been a guy that’s highly motivated,” Johnson said of Moore. “He wants to be as complete of a receiver as he can possibly be, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get there.”
Moore has enjoyed a productive NFL career and has been financially rewarded for his work. What’s missing for Moore is team success. He hasn't been a part of a winning season or reached the playoffs in his first seven years in the NFL.
His hope is that changes now, and Johnson is coaching with an attention to detail and pushing players like Moore to be better.
“I don’t think it gets on your nerves,” Moore said. “It’s more like, dang, you got to look at deep down in yourself and be like, ‘Did I really mess up? Did I execute the play at the highest level that I can? Was I slacking or was it perfect?’ So, that’s what he wants — perfection.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.