Bears WR Coach Antwaan Randle El Backs DJ Moore Amid Criticism: “The Special Was On Display This Year”
The Chicago Bears are entering this offseason with a far more stable foundation than in years past. After clinching their first playoff berth since 2020 under new head coach Ben Johnson and knocking off the rival Packers in the Wild Card Round, there’s legitimate optimism in Chicago. But one moment from that postseason run still lingers in the minds of fans - and it involves one of the team’s most important offensive weapons.
In the Bears’ overtime loss to the Rams, a miscommunication between quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver DJ Moore led to a costly interception. Williams expected Moore to be in one spot, Moore wasn't there, and Rams defensive back Kam Curl made the game-changing play. Los Angeles capitalized with a game-winning field goal, ending Chicago’s playoff push and sparking a wave of criticism directed at Moore.
The veteran wideout didn’t speak to media after the game and wasn’t available during the team’s locker room cleanout. That silence only added fuel to the conversation, with some fans even floating the idea of trading Moore - a notion that’s gained traction on social media but not within Halas Hall.
One person who’s not entertaining that noise? Bears wide receivers coach and assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El. In a recent sit-down with Jarrett Payton, Randle El didn’t just defend Moore - he offered a deeper look into who Moore is, both on and off the field.
“He’s a great person,” Randle El said. “And he’s growing to be a great husband.”
But the coach didn’t stop there. When it came to Moore’s performance on the field, Randle El acknowledged that earlier in Moore’s career - even dating back to his Carolina days - the flashes of greatness weren’t always consistent.
“Not that he ain't still special, but the special doesn't show up all the time,” Randle El said. “Well, for me, this year, the special was on display.”
That’s high praise from a coach who’s been in Moore’s corner all season. Randle El pointed to Moore’s growth in every facet of the game - from route running and yards after the catch to blocking and making contested grabs. According to him, Moore took a noticeable leap in 2025, not just in stats but in impact.
“He had some unbelievable catches this year,” Randle El added.
The coach also revealed that before the season, he and Moore had a candid conversation about expectations. The message? This offense wasn’t just looking for pass catchers - it needed complete football players.
“For DJ Moore, that showed up like never before this year,” Randle El said. “We need a big play, we turn to DJ Moore. We need a play at the end of the game, we turn to DJ Moore.”
That kind of trust doesn’t come easily, especially in a locker room full of young talent and a rookie quarterback. But Moore earned it, not just with his hands but with his leadership. Randle El emphasized Moore’s role in setting the tone for the receiver room - a quiet but steady presence who led by example.
Of course, the chatter around Moore’s future isn’t going to disappear overnight. That’s the nature of the NFL - one high-profile mistake in a playoff game, and suddenly a player’s entire season is called into question.
But inside the building, it’s a different story. Coaches and teammates know what Moore brings to the table.
They’ve seen the work, the growth, and the commitment.
So while the outside noise continues, the Bears seem firmly behind their No. 1 receiver. And if 2025 was any indication, DJ Moore’s best football in Chicago might still be ahead of him.