Is DJ Moore's Frustration a Result of Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Warning?

This past week against the Los Angeles Rams , Moore and Caleb Williams connected for a gorgeous touchdown catch but also missed on one earlier when it appeared Moore pulled up early as Williams was anticipating him to run through the route. J.T. O'Sullivan, who hosts the popular football YouTube channel "The QB School," hasn't minced words when calling out Moore for his lackadaisical routes.

So, what's different about Moore? As mentioned earlier, he signed the richest contract in franchise history and has been nothing but a team player and class act since coming to Chicago. Some fans speculated it's the departure of Justin Fields; however, a more practical answer may have been forewarned by Jaxon Smith-Njigba back in February.

Smith-Njigba had less-than-stellar praise for Shane Waldron's hire despite the Seattle Seahawks' relative success during his tenure with the club. The Ohio State product wouldn't elaborate on his frustrations, but the way he was used could be a sign.

Shane Waldron and Wideouts

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was utilized heavily in the screen game with the Seahawks. At one point in 2023, he had the lowest depth of target in the NFL (he finished fourth-lowest) and was asked to predominantly catch bubble screens and get yards after the catch (YAC) for the Seahawks.

DJ Moore averaged 14.2 yards per reception last year, but that number has shrunk to 8.6 yards per reception in 2024. Some of that can be blamed on a rookie quarterback's growing pains in the NFL; however, Moore's usage in 2024 has been more like Deebo Samuel than D.K. Metcalf. His average depth of target (aDOT) has decreased from 11 yards in 2023 to 8.5 in 2024 (the lowest of his career and in the bottom 26% of receivers in 2024).

Last year, 32 of Smith-Njigba's 90 targets came behind the line of scrimmage. This year, none of his 21 targets have come behind the line of scrimmage. Last year, Moore caught 16.7% of his targets behind the line of scrimmage, a number that has increased to 22% in 2024. Furthermore, in Waldron's offense, Moore has gone deep much less than he did in 2023. 24.2% of his routes were past 20 yards in 2023, a number that has shrunk to a paltry 15.6% in 2024.

Do you know what receivers don't like? Getting hammered by 240-pound linebackers near the line of scrimmage. In Waldron's offense, Moore is being asked to reduce his routes downfield in favor of action behind the line of scrimmage, and it's likely taking a toll on his body. In Week 1, Moore went into the medical tent after garnering only two receptions, and this past week against the Rams, he came up limp and took himself out of the game for a few plays.

Potential Fixes

After a come-to-Jesus talk between Shane Waldron and the Justice League of offensive captains prior to Week 4, the game plan against the Rams was changed. This seems to have carried over to DJ Moore's usage, as for the first time this season, the receiver wasn't targeted behind the line of scrimmage, and he hauled in his first touchdown reception of the season.

The Bears and Waldron are still figuring out how their personnel meshes within Waldron's scheme; however, neutering Moore's deep-ball abilities in favor of his penchant for getting YAC is cutting off your nose to spite your face. A player like Velus Jones Jr. (who has been inactive the last three weeks), whom fans have almost entirely cooled on, would be a more viable option for bubble screens and swing passes out of the backfield, especially considering his move to running back and experience at wide receiver.

The Bears have three excellent receiver options: Moore, rookie Rome Odunze, and veteran Keenan Allen. However, Moore is and should be the alpha moving forward. If Waldron can start using him more as a true No. 1 receiver and less like a gadget player, then the offense should start clicking even quicker.