CHICAGO – DJ Moore’s negative-4 receiving yards against the Green Bay Packers in Week 14 was a career worst. Moore’s lack of production was somewhat stunning with Bears receiver Rome Odunze’s absence due to a foot injury.
“I wasn’t anticipating him to come out of that game with only one catch,” coach Ben Johnson said on Friday. “I thought we had him out there as the primary for a number of instances and we just couldn’t find a way to get him the ball, whether that’s coverage dictated or other things that go on within a play. So, do I want to get DJ Moore going? Absolutely. Do I want to get all these guys the ball? Absolutely. They’ve all earned that right and I think it makes us a better, more well-rounded offense when we have all these guys contributing at that level.”
On Sunday, against the Browns in the bitter cold and with Odunze ruled out just before kickoff after aggravating his foot injury, Moore finally got his chance to shine.
Moore connected with quarterback Caleb Williams four times for 69 yards, including two touchdowns. The second touchdown was one of the more impressive throws from Williams this season, fitting the ball perfectly into a tight window on the run for a 22-yard score.
Williams finished the day 17-of-28 passing for 242 yards and two touchdowns.
Luther Burden led all Bears receivers with six catches for 84 yards. The six receptions set a new career high.
On the other side of the ball, the Bears’ defense dominated Browns QB Shedeur Sanders all afternoon, forcing three interceptions. The Bears’ offense scored 10 points off takeaways.
Sanders was 18-for-35 passing with 177 yards.
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Adam Jahns
The Bears did what they’re supposed to do as a winning, soon-to-be playoff-bound team on Sunday. They routed the three-win Browns at Soldier Field. Quarterback Caleb Williams had his best individual game in weeks, completing 17 of 28 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns for a 112.5 passer rating. Their run game continued to be physical and imposing, while cornerback Jaylon Johnson and linebacker D’Marco Jackson made interceptions on rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who struggled in the cold. Cleveland had its chances to make this blowout a close game, but the Bears’ defense stood its ground when the offense struggled.
Patrick Norton
That’s the most dominating performance the Bears have put together this season. It still didn’t feel all that comfortable with a 14-0 lead at halftime. The offense put up another first-drive three-and-out, their fourth time doing so in the past five weeks. Plenty to be pleased with after this rout, but lots to work on before the Packers come to town on Saturday.
Greg Braggs Jr.
The Bears did what they had to do. Win convincingly. That’s all that needs to be said.
It’s Packer Week.
