Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore has a strong idea of what the needs are on offense. He believes a dual-threat passer is who they should roll with in 2024.
But he believes the Bears already have one in place in Justin Fields, rejecting the idea that Chicago needs to hunt for a new quarterback.
DJ Moore Instills Belief in Justin Fields for 2024
Caleb Williams has had his name periodically attached to the Bears as the potential top pick for the 2024 NFL Draft. Outside of the USC star and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, Drake Maye of North Carolina has climbed up the early draft boards as another possibility.
Following the Bears’ 20-17 loss at the hands of the Cleveland Browns, Moore was asked if someone new needed to handle the QB reins. Moore, however, rejected the idea of seeing Williams, or even Maye, in a Bears uniform.
“Y’all asked me that, what, last week or something like that? I’m still like, ‘Bro, where are you all seeing this?’ What makes (Fields) not the quarterback for the Chicago Bears?” Moore asked postgame.
Moore’s final message signifies his belief in the current guy in place in the Windy City.
“I don’t think (Caleb Williams and Drake Maye) are better than Justin,” Moore said strongly.
DJ Moore on the Bears QB discussion heading into next season.
"I don't think (Caleb Williams & Drake Maye) are better than Justin." pic.twitter.com/In3BI1x0Jz
— Marquee Bears (@BearsMarquee) December 17, 2023
Did Fields Struggle Against the Browns?
Moore’s words are a strong endorsement of Fields. And it comes after the third-year QB struggled against one of the league’s best defenses.
Fields, in his return to Ohio after starring at Ohio State, ended his afternoon completing 19 of 40 attempts. The Browns bottled him to just 166 yards and one touchdown and picked him off twice.
Yet, on his only touchdown, fans saw “Vintage Fields.”
Vintage Fields! Escapes pressure and throws a dart to Cole Kmet for the TD 🎯
📺: #CHIvsCLE on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kw7mays4qU pic.twitter.com/6Yrrxzi9Eq— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2023
But it’s now the second time this season Fields settled for 19 completed passes. Plus, the 166 yards are the second-worst yardage output in a game for the Bears starter.
His lowest in a full game was the 99 he put up against the Kansas City Chiefs back on Sept. 24.
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Fields likely has solace in the fact that Moore is behind him. But are Bears and NFL fans rallying behind him as well?
NFL Fans React to Fields’ Outing
One former NFL tight end is sensing a disconnect between Fields and the Bears’ front office.
“There’s an obvious disconnect between Justin Fields and Luke Getsy,” former TE and analyst for The 33rd Team Clay Harbor said on X (formerly known as Twitter). “The Bears had one touchdown drive and the drive was one yard. One of them needs to go. My vote is Getsy.”
Harbor counts as another supporter of Fields. But not everyone is giving Fields a pass.
“Man why can’t Justin Fields throw for 300 yards?” one fan asked on X.
Man why can’t Justin Fields throw for 300 yards pic.twitter.com/icgHA7X5rF
— . (@FieldsSzn69) December 17, 2023
However, son of Bears legend Walter Payton, Jarrett Payton, is a Fields believer.
Justin Fields put his cape on.
Not much to say…you saw the play. #Bears pic.twitter.com/boSDezfukR— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) December 17, 2023
Still, Fields and Moore are clearly overhearing the constant chatter about Williams or Maye possibly holding up a Bears jersey come April 2024. Moore has voiced his strong opinion. Now it’s a matter of if the Chicago front office will listen to its 1,000-yard wide receiver.
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