The Chicago Bears endured a chaotic and unpredictable 2024 season. One of the turning points came early when they lost on a last second Hail Mary, a loss that ultimately derailed their momentum and set the tone for the rest of the year. Things spiraled further when the franchise made the rare decision to fire both their head coach and offensive coordinator midseason.
DJ Moore’s Polarizing Behavior
Among the many storylines that emerged during the Bears turbulent season, few were more polarizing than the scrutiny surrounding star wide receiver DJ Moore. Throughout the season, Moore was seen on the sidelines appearing disengaged and, at times, visibly frustrated with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. These moments raised eyebrows both within the organization, the fanbase, and across the NFL media landscape.
Just so everyone’s aware, DJ Moore has sat by himself on the end of the bench after every single offensive drive. He was also the last player off the field at halftime, again by himself. pic.twitter.com/ldSpCw3n9c
— jack (@jack_bfr) September 29, 2024
Film Review Criticism
The criticism wasn’t limited to sideline optics. Popular NFL analyst JT O’Sullivan, known for his work on The QB School YouTube channel, publicly questioned Moore’s effort in several games. He shared multiple examples of Moore running lackluster routes and expressed surprise at what he observed on tape during his film breakdowns of the Bears 2024 season.
A New Approach from Ben Johnson
In a recent episode of Bears Film Room, Jeff Hughes of DaBearsBlog shared details on how the Bears are addressing the situation heading into the 2025 season. According to Jeff, new head coach Ben Johnson has already spoke with DJ Moore about his attitude and expectations.
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“I think Ben has gone in there and been very hard on him,” Jeff said. “He told him, ‘This is what we expect out of you, and if you don’t deliver it, we have no problem moving on.’”
This no-nonsense approach from Johnson aligns with what has been reported about his demanding presence during OTAs. He’s reportedly made it clear that performance and effort are expected across the board—regardless of salary or reputation.
The Randle El Factor
Helping reinforce that culture shift is new wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El. Known for his high energy and intensity, Randle El is expected to hold his players to an extremely high standard—perhaps even more so than Johnson himself. With both coaches emphasizing accountability, DJ Moore will have little room to repeat the behavioral patterns that sparked controversy last season.
Want More Insider Bears Talk?
For more behind the scenes insights from inside Halas Hall and detailed analysis of the Bears offseason, check out the full episode of Bears Film Room—available below or on YouTube.