The key for the Chicago Bears to unlock DJ Moore

It took four weeks, but we finally saw the connection between DJ Moore and Caleb Williams that Chicago Bears fans needed to see. The way these two have connected shouldn't be surprising and should be a formula the Bears resort to often.

The Bears benefited from two long-range targets that were 20 yards or longer down the field in Week 5. Williams was 2-for-2 when he targeted Moore deep for 64 yards and two touchdowns. What's interesting is that prior to this game, Williams had only targeted Moore deep down the field twice all season. Over the course of four weeks, they accomplished only one of two goals, and that was with a tip.

In Week 5, 25% of his targets were deep down the field, while that percentage was just 13.3% through the first four games. That's pretty surprising considering the type of receiver Moore is. His best year with the Panthers came when they primarily used him as a deep-ball threat. That's why he had such an instant connection with Justin Fields, because Fields was the best passer there.

Last year, Moore had a deep field target rate of 24.2%. In 2022 it was even higher at 27.2%. Even with his rate of 25% in week five, he's only up to 17.5% this season.

Needless to say, the Bears will need to try to get Moore involved downfield more often in the coming weeks. Part of that is due to play calling, as Moore went from 11.9% of his targets behind the line of scrimmage last year to 16.7% this year and 20% this year.

Part of this is due to the offensive line not giving Williams the time, but part of it is also because Williams has to trust Moore on these passes and give him a chance to make a play down the field. As these two realize their connection, we can expect to see a significant increase in his goals and performance in the deep passing game.