Playing for multiple head coaches is usually not a great sign for a player. It usually means either they aren't good enough to stay on a roster, or the coaches didn't win enough. In the case of DJ Moore, it was the latter. Despite being an excellent wide receiver most of his career, he has played under three head coaches: Ron Rivera, Matt Rhule, and Matt Eberflus. Ben Johnson will become his fourth this year. One would understand if Moore is a bit skeptical of the move, having been burned in years past.
That is why he wanted to attend Johnson's introductory press conference last month. It would be a great way to see what kind of impression the new coach makes. Let's just say Johnson didn't disappoint. Kay Adams spoke to Moore and Rome Odunze on her podcast about their new head coach. Odunze immediately pointed out Johnson's intensity as something he liked. Moore? Well, he got more of an "I'm in danger" vibe.
DJ Moore senses things are about to be different.
Johnson made it clear from the start. He hopes players are comfortable being uncomfortable. His job as the head coach isn't to be their friend. It is to turn them into winners. Sometimes, that requires motivation. Other times, it requires discipline. That is something Eberflus never quite mastered during his three years with the team. Players weren't held accountable often enough, leading to small mistakes that snowballed into catastrophic meltdowns. Johnson, with his reputation as a perfectionist, has no intention of letting that slide.
There will be no cutting corners. Either do your job exactly as instructed, or don't expect to get the ball. DJ Moore clearly senses the shift. He thought he worked hard before. It sounds like he's in store for something he has never experienced in his career. Players in Detroit loved Johnson, but they also warned he could have a bite to him if you weren't on top of your responsibilities. That is what the Bears needed.
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