What Can We Expect From The Chicago Bears' New Star Duo?
After an impressive 2022 campaign by second-year quarterback Justin Fields, The Chicago Bears decided to go all-in on building around the now soon-to-be third-year quarterback.
The wide receivers the Bears had put around Fields in 2022 were disappointing. They had Darnell Mooney, who has been with the team since 2020 and was their only consistent option; they also traded for former Steeler Chase Claypool at the trade deadline, a player that was nothing short of disappointing in 2022.
While neither of the two are bad options, the team certainly needed more depth, but most importantly, they needed a true No. 1 option in the passing game for Fields to throw to.
The Bears Trade First Pick To Carolina
In March, the Bears and Panthers struck a deal for the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The blockbuster trade netted the Bears a slew of draft future picks, star WR DJ Moore from Carolina.
Finally, the Chicago Bears had acquired the true No.1 wide receiver they so long desired and needed. The fans, pundits, and players were hyped and immediately placed lofty expectations on the newly formed DJ Moore and Justin Fields duo.
Justin Fields
The Bears quarterback certainly has not had it easy in his time in Chicago; a lack of stable coaching in 2021 and proper help in 2022 have followed the young player in his short career.
Justin Fields finally found some success in the league last season. While he posted just 2,242 passing yards, good for 26th in the league, he added 1143 rushing yards, the most among quarterbacks in 2022. Justin Fields also tallied 25 touchdowns to 11 interceptions last season.
With new offensive reinforcements, Justin Fields looks primed to break out in year 3. He has proven successful with his legs, but now he needs to prove he can do it with his arm.
DJ Moore
DJ Moore was incredibly successful during his time in Carolina. Moore posted 5201 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns with the Panthers. What makes this more impressive is that he could do this despite a revolving door of poor QB play.
In 2022, Moore put up his lowest numbers since his rookie season, with 63 receptions and 888 receiving yards. Interestingly though, he put up a career-high seven touchdowns.
Moore hopes to finally have consistent quarterback play from Justin Fields in Chicago. Being surrounded by other high-level players such as Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, and Cole Kmet also means he won't be the sole player on the offense that defenses need to focus on, like when he was on the Panthers.
Chemistry Between Fields And Moore
The duo of Fields and Moore has already been building chemistry during the offseason and have reportedly been tearing it up early into training camp, which is a very encouraging sign.
Since the trade, The duo have spoken nothing but good things about each other. This is another encouraging sign that the two will love playing together and will succeed as well.
What Can We Expect In 2023?
It's safe to assume that play calling and an improved core will allow Fields to throw the ball much more in 2023. The Bears also want to avoid exposing Fields to any injury risks that come with running the ball at such a high volume again, so keeping him in the pocket and looking to pass first will be a huge priority.
If Justin Fields can improve and become a high-level passer in the NFL, it could unlock DJ Moore and help him become one of the best receivers in the league while Fields becomes one of the top QBs in the league.
For 2023 though, Justin Fields and DJ Moore will connect for around 75 receptions, 1100 yards, and 6 touchdowns. Which would be one of Moore's best seasons of his career.
I also believe Fields will tally around 3500 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and 8 interceptions while adding about 750 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. These stats would solidify him as the Bears' franchise quarterback as well.
While the duo of Fields and Moore won't be one of the top QB-WR duos in year 1, it will hopefully be just the start of a possible superstar duo in Chicago for years to come, which will only improve as time progresses.
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