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Bears WR DJ Moore's 5 Best Plays From 2023
Photo: Jamie Sabau/USA TODAY Sports

Bears WR DJ Moore's 5 Best Plays From 2023

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net  |  By Pat Boadway  |  Last updated 4/3/24

Ryan Poles might have pulled off the greatest trade in the history of the NFL. The Chicago Bears sent the first pick in the draft to the Carolina Panthers for wide receiver DJ Moore and the following year's pick, which happened to be No. 1 again. Before the Bears even knew they owned the first overall pick in back-to-back years, they reaped the benefits of this trade.

DJ Moore was the addition the Bears' offense needed. Justin Fields took a significant jump in 2023 and a large part of it was because of Moore. I recently watched some of Moore's highlights from last year on the Bears' YouTube channel and although the rapport between him and Fields is gone there's still a tremendous upgrade to the offense just by having him in the locker room.

DJ Moore's 5 Best Plays From The 2023 Bears Season

5. Week 2 vs Tampa Bay: Covering For His QB

In a Week 2 matchup with the Buccaneers, the Bears faced a third-down situation. From the 37-yard line, Moore exploded off the line of scrimmage, running a short slant toward the sidelines.

Fields made a daring throw over a defender's hands and Moore made a fantastic catch on the sidelines. But after the catch, he ran for another 30 yards setting up an eventual touchdown run by Fields.

This was almost a scoring play for Moore but it showed his skill on the outermost portion of the field. This made Justin Fields look good because if that ball was tipped, that probably becomes a big mistake by the quarterback or at the very least settling for a field goal attempt.

4. Week 14 vs Detroit: First Career Rushing TD

Early in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions in Week 14, the Bears were facing a second down with seven yards to go from the 16-yard line. Moore lined up at the quarterback position and took the direct snap.

He faked a handoff to Justin Fields and eluded defenders to run for his first-career rushing touchdown and an early Bears lead.

Moore showed off his athleticism and explosivity on this play and got a few crucial blocks along the way. This is just another weapon in the Bears' arsenal and it gives their opponents something to consider. If the need for a trick play ever comes, Moore could be the guy to pull it off.

3. Week 5 at Washington: Corner Endzone Touchdown

This play was incredible and DJ Moore hurt Washington fans with this one in Week 5. Leading 10-0, the Bears drove down to the 11-yard line. Fields took a shot to the very corner of the endzone, placing the ball only where Moore could touch it.

Moore reached out, keeping his feet in bounds, and came down with this incredible catch.

The Bears led 17-0 and were cruising to an easy victory. Moore had three touchdowns en route to a massive 40-20 victory over the Commanders.

2. Week 11 in Detroit: 39-yard TD Catch

Although the Bears lost this heartbreaking game against the Lions in Week 11, this catch was unbelievable in real-time. Not only was the catch great but the throw from Fields was one that usually makes Bears fans hold their breath.

But the play worked and the massive 39-yard strike gave Chicago the lead back along with temporary momentum.

1. Week 17 vs Atlanta: Catch In The Snow For A TD

DJ Moore had nine catches for over 150 yards and a score against the Falcons in Week 17. During a snow-filled game, the Bears blew out Atlanta by 20 points and it all started with Moore's catch.

The Falcons got the ball to start this game and missed a field goal attempt. In the past, the Bears haven't capitalized on a lot of these favorable swings. But Fields and Moore went to work. 

They connected on a 30-yard gain and then a few plays later, opened up the scoring with this gem in the corner of the endzone.

Fields threw a great ball and Moore came down with a fantastic grab through the flurries. This was late in the season and the Bears were finding a groove. It was a nice preview of what's to come in 2024, although a different quarterback will be throwing Moore the ball.

Which of these plays is your favorite from DJ Moore's first season with the Chicago Bears? Is there a better catch that you would put at the top of your list?

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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