On October 27th, at around 7:30 p.m., the Chicago Bears were in prime position to improve to a 5-2 record and solidify themselves as a legitimate playoff contender in the NFC. But within moments, their fortunes turned dramatically, resulting in one of the most disheartening losses in recent NFL history. Now, it seems like the wheels may be falling off for the team.
The Bears suffered a crushing 29-9 blowout defeat at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. To make matters worse, their rookie quarterback Caleb Williams sustained an injury during the game. Amidst the chaos, star wide receiver DJ Moore found himself under fire after footage surfaced showing him walking off the field in the middle of a play early on in the loss.
The controversial incident occurred in the first quarter, with the game still tied at 0-0. On a 2nd-and-6 play, Caleb Williams dropped back to pass but found no open receivers. As Williams rolled out to his left, Moore initially moved with him, attempting to create an opportunity. However, as he came back to the ball, Moore suddenly walked off the field rather than continuing the play. To make matters worse, Moore proceeded to sit down on the bench while Williams was still scrambling to find an open target. The play ultimately ended with Chicago receiver Keenan Allen being called for offensive pass interference.
Moore’s actions raised questions among fans and analysts alike, with many accusing him of giving up on the play. Though Moore appeared to be hurt as he walked off, he returned on the very same drive, even making a catch that was later nullified by a penalty. The optics of the incident were not favorable, leading some fans to openly question Moore’s commitment to the team.
“This has been happening all year… Watch any @theqbschool breakdown of the offense. The lack of effort is asinine,” one fan wrote on social media, highlighting a growing frustration with the effort shown by some Bears players.
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“I was at the game, and I saw DJ Moore doing this NUMEROUS times during the game—whether it was walking off the field mid-play or giving up on routes,” another fan commented, further emphasizing the perception that Moore’s effort level was lacking throughout the contest.
Following the game, Moore was asked if the team had given up on head coach Matt Eberflus. His response did little to instill confidence in Bears fans. “I want to say no,” Moore said. “The message yesterday was that we know we’re 4-4 now, just like being 0-0. But you’ve just got to go out there and start stacking wins like we did, and that’s the best thing you can do is win, and then let the chips fall how they fall after we do so.”
Moore’s statement was less than reassuring. Instead of offering a firm denial, his use of mixed language left the door open for scrutiny and speculation. It’s clear that the Bears, under head coach Matt Eberflus, are struggling to find cohesion. Eberflus, now in his third season with the Bears, has a record of just 14-27, and it’s becoming increasingly apparent that he may not have the trust or full commitment of his players.
The Bears’ issues are not solely on the coaching staff, however. The lack of effort displayed by some players is evident, and incidents like Moore walking off the field mid-play only serve to highlight deeper problems within the team.
The Bears were once on track to make a strong statement this season, but now, their path forward looks uncertain. If the players aren’t willing to give their all, even the best game plans will fall short.
As the Bears look to regroup and salvage their season, questions about leadership—both from the coaching staff and from the players on the field—are at the forefront.
With an even record of 4-4, Chicago still has a chance to turn things around, but it will require a renewed sense of focus, effort, and unity across the entire organization. For now, the team’s performance, and particularly the actions of players like DJ Moore, leave much to be desired.
