The Chicago Bears were back on the practice fields Wednesday afternoon for the first time since their prime-time loss to the Houston Texans in Week 2. The Bears will play their third consecutive game against an AFC South opponent Sunday when they travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts.
With a feisty defense setting the tone and a work-in-progress offense fighting to catch up, the Bears are hopeful to improve to 2-1. Here’s what we learned at Halas Hall.
1. DJ Moore’s body language continues to be scrutinized.
Moore’s mannerisms down the stretch of Sunday’s 19-13 loss briefly drew the attention of NBC color commentator Cris Collinsworth, who seemed to empathize with Moore’s frustration after Caleb Williams misfired on a third-down back-shoulder throw to Moore late in the fourth quarter.
Moore spent a second or two flat on his back after the incompletion, then walked back to the sideline and sat on the bench with an aggravated expression.
In the days since, Moore’s comportment has been a hot topic in the sports-talk debate-osphere and on social media, with many wondering what was behind the receiver’s visible agitation.
“We were just one play away,” Moore explained Wednesday, “and we couldn’t get that one play to hit. That’s why I was really frustrated.”
Welcome to the 2024 fishbowl for the Bears where every word spoken and every every gesture made appears to be drawing almost as much scrutiny from outsiders as the plays on the field. Moore’s heightened aggravation drew heightened attention.
“Every chance the camera got, they caught that angle (of me),” Moore said. “I usually sit on the bench like that anyway. So I don’t know what that’s about.”
Moore emphasized Wednesday that the frustrations he was showing during the fourth quarter weren’t directed at anyone in particular but more so about the Bears’ failed efforts in “chasing the play” that could have gotten the whole offense unlocked.
“I shouldn’t have shown as much (emotion),” Moore said. “But it’s a part of the game. Like I said, we were one play away from the game changing and we just couldn’t connect. Nobody on offense could connect with that one play to get us on track.”
Through two games, Moore has been targeted 18 times and has a team-best 11 catches and 89 receiving yards. He was the intended receiver on Williams’ first interception Sunday, a 50-50 ball up the left sideline that was picked off by cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
“On that one, I kind of tripped,” Moore said. “But at the end of the day, I’ve got to find a way to not let him catch that interception. So I’ll put that on me.”
Williams and Moore also failed to connect on three deep balls and a pass over the middle during the Bears’ penultimate possession Sunday — a drive that resulted in a field goal. Moore appeared exhausted and disheartened when that series ended.
Still, Moore emphasized Wednesday that Williams hasn’t been fazed by the offense’s early-season struggles.
“He’s been great,” Moore said. “He hasn’t been vocally frustrated or anything. He’s been coming in and still learning. So (we’re) waiting to see how he bounces back this week.”
Inevitably, the CBS broadcast cameras also likely will be waiting to see how Moore reacts.
2. Keenan Allen and Teven Jenkins were among those who missed practice.
Allen has been bothered by a heel injury since late last month, and the Bears have yet to find the formula to get him back in action. The 32-year-old receiver sat out the game in Houston — the 12th contest he has missed since the start of the 2022 season — and his return to the lineup remains indefinite.
Coach Matt Eberflus said Wednesday that Allen’s pain tolerance in playing on the injured foot is a big part of the equation.
“We’re obviously wanting him to come back as fast as possible,” Eberflus said. “But it has to be right for him.”
Jenkins, meanwhile, is dealing with a thigh bruise that kept him out of Wednesday’s practice. Eberflus, though, didn’t seem worried that the injury would prevent his starting left guard from playing Sunday.
“We do feel good about it,” Eberflus said. “So we’ll see where it goes for (Thursday). It’s a power thing and then (Teven) feeling comfortable and the trainers feeling comfortable enough for him to come back in. … He wants to be in there. And if he can go, he’s going to go.”
In Jenkins’ place Wednesday, seventh-year veteran Matt Pryor took the first-team reps.
Others who missed Wednesday’s practice were defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (groin) and fullback Khari Blasingame (hand/knee).
Rome Odunze (knee), Montez Sweat (elbow), Andrew Billings (groin), DeMarcus Walker (foot), Kiran Amegadjie (quadriceps) and Nate Davis (groin) were limited.
3. Eberflus is not considering changes on the offensive line.
After surrendering seven sacks and averaging only 3.1 yards per play in Sunday’s loss, there’s no denying the line needs to show improvement to aid the evolution of the Bears offense. Still, two games into the season, Eberflus doesn’t see the need for a shake-up up front.
“We’re looking for continuity and consistency and communication,” he said. “And getting better. That’s what we’re focused on. It’s about fundamentals and basics. It’s important we get that down as a group. So we’re going back to that. That’s what wins football games.”
Eberflus acknowledged that, on a rough Sunday night for the line overall, second-year right tackle Darnell Wright had his struggles individually. Wright allowed an 8-yard sack to Danielle Hunter on the final possession and was part of an offensive line effort that allowed Williams to be hit 11 times in addition to the seven sacks.
“It’s all rooted in fundamentals,” Eberflus said. “He has the talent. He’s got the drive and the determination to get that done. And when you have a game that you’re not proud of, guess what? You come back and have a good game. That’s how you respond.”
