There have been rumblings that something isn't quite right between quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver D.J. Moore. There have been multiple instances this season where they don't seem to be on the same page. This is surprising since it's their second season together. One would think the chemistry would be obvious. It certainly is for Rome Odunze, who has become Williams' clear go-to target this season. Where is the disconnect with Moore coming from? Head coach Ben Johnson was asked about it.
This stems from the quarterback and receiver's failed connection in the end zone at the end of Sunday's loss in Baltimore. Williams threw wide of Moore on the play. It looked like D.J. had stopped while Caleb expected him to keep going—small issues like that often speak to communication problems.
"It's always a work in progress," said Johnson. "That's why the week of work (in practice) is so important for us. I think the passing game is a continual evolution."
The coach admitted that Moore had the freedom to sit down on the play in question, but the preference was for him to keep running. Still, it's on both players to make that play. They're too talented to let stuff like that happen.
"For that particular play, he's running the back line. He does have the ability to shut it down in an open window. You know, it's a unique look where there happens to be a second-level defender in the area that he shut it down. Do I wish he would have stayed on the move? Sure, but I also know at this level that that's open and we have two really good players right there and we can find a way to hook up."
Ben Johnson knows he must let the players sort this out.
There haven't been any indications that Williams and Moore have beef with each other. It just seems as if they're not on the same wavelength. Top quarterback and receiver tandems usually display similar thinking on every play. They know what the other will do. Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall were that way. Mitch Trubisky and Allen Robinson were that way. Currently, Odunze is the only one who appears to have a clear understanding of what Williams expects from play to play.
If Moore wants the ball at a higher clip, he must get on the same page with his quarterback. If he can't, Ben Johnson may have some tough decisions to make. Don't forget, the team drafted Luther Burden. They also have Colston Loveland, who needs more action. Chicago wants to make it work with more. He's a good player. However, they won't suffer these miscommunications forever.
