Using Wide Receiver DJ Moore In The Backfield
New Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson isn’t discarding every decision made by former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. One concept he’s continuing is using wide receiver DJ Moore out of the backfield, a wrinkle first explored last season.
The veteran receiver has taken some snaps out of the backfield early in training camp, as Johnson evaluates how best to get the ball in Moore’s hands. “He’s a physical, run-after-catch, just-get-me-the-ball type of guy,” Johnson said on Tuesday, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “There’s a number of things that we’re looking to do and explore how we get him the ball and get him in space.”
Expand Moore’s Involvement In The Run Game
Last year, Waldron began experimenting with Moore in this role. According to Pro Football Focus, Moore lined up in the backfield on 10 snaps in 2024. His first season hitting double-digit backfield reps since his rookie year in 2018, when he logged 35. He also recorded a career-high 14 rushing attempts.
Johnson is looking to build on that foundation and possibly expand Moore’s involvement in the run game, particularly as the offense finds its identity in training camp.
Uncertainty At Running Back
The Bears’ running back room enters the 2025 season with more questions than answers. D’Andre Swift arrives as the projected starter but is coming off a lackluster year. Roschon Johnson is known for his toughness, and seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai remains a bit of an unknown.
If none of the backs emerge as a clear difference-maker, giving Moore additional carries from the backfield could add a spark to the ground game and provide a dynamic wrinkle to Johnson’s offensive scheme.
Leveraging Moore’s Skill Set
Moore’s versatility also ensures he stays involved in the offense, even as second-year wideout Rome Odunze appears poised to step into a WR1 role in 2025. Using Moore in multiple ways may be key to maximizing his impact alongside a rising young star.
As Johnson shapes his offensive system in Chicago, leveraging Moore’s skill set, including out of the backfield, could offer valuable flexibility and playmaking potential.
