DJ Moore Addresses Overtime Miscommunication That Ended Bears’ Season
The final image of the Bears’ 2025 season is one that’s going to stick with fans for a long time: Caleb Williams, in overtime, trying to lead a game-winning drive, only to have it end with an interception. The throw went to DJ Moore.
The ball ended up in the hands of Rams defensive back Kamren Curl. And just like that, the Bears’ playoff run was over.
It was a gut punch. Chicago had the ball, tied at 17, and needed just a few more yards to get into field goal range.
Instead, the Rams took over and marched down the field for the game-winning kick. But what really stung for fans was how the play unfolded.
On the surface, it looked like Moore slowed up on his route - a hesitation that may have opened the door for Curl to jump the pass.
At the time, Moore didn’t speak to reporters about the play. But at Super Bowl week, he finally broke his silence, offering a simple explanation: miscommunication.
“My side of the story is like everyone else's; it's a miscommunication,” Moore said. “We got to attack it the next time we got something like that and just go from there.”
It’s a frustrating way for a season to end - not with a dominant defensive stand or a spectacular play by the opponent, but with a breakdown in timing between quarterback and receiver. And it’s especially tough considering how strong Chicago’s offense had been throughout the year.
Top five in total offense. One of the league’s most dangerous rushing attacks.
A rookie quarterback who looked more poised than most veterans. And yet, the final offensive snap of the season was a misfire.
For Moore, the moment has become a lightning rod. Fair or not, that one play has sparked a wave of criticism and even calls for the Bears to move on from the veteran wideout. That’s despite Moore expressing a desire to stay in Chicago for 2026 - and despite the fact he made several highlight-reel touchdown grabs during the season.
Still, there’s no avoiding the numbers. Moore finished with the lowest statistical output of his career, failing to crack 700 receiving yards.
And when you're carrying a $110 million contract, expectations are sky-high. He was brought in to be the WR1, but with Rome Odunze emerging as a breakout star and Colston Loveland carving out a bigger role, Moore has arguably become the third option in the passing game.
That’s not what Chicago envisioned when they made him a centerpiece of the offense.
Now, the Bears face a critical decision this offseason. Do they give Moore another shot to build chemistry with Williams and bounce back in 2026? Or do they cut ties and reallocate those dollars elsewhere?
If Moore stays - and that’s still very much on the table - the margin for error shrinks. Plays like the one in overtime can’t happen again.
Not in the playoffs. Not when you're the veteran presence in a young, talented offense trying to take the next step.
The Bears have a lot to like heading into next season. But how they handle the Moore situation could say a lot about where they think they are - and where they’re trying to go.