The Chicago Bears don’t exactly have a ton of talent on their roster, but the New Orleans Saints can’t overlook them. And there’s one player on offense who’s coming to New Orleans with a strong resume: DJ Moore. The former Carolina Panthers wide receiver was traded to Chicago this offseason and quickly established himself as their top threat in the passing game.
After averaging 4.6 receptions and 65 receiving yards per game in five years with the Panthers, Moore has leveled up and is currently pacing 5.5 catches and 86.4 yards per game with the Bears. Look for Moore to reestablish his rivalry with top Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
Moore’s teams went 4-5 in nine meetings with the Saints during his time in Carolina; he specifically averaged 3.8 receptions for 59.2 receiving yards per game with 5 touchdown catches, also gaining 43 rushing yards on 4 carries.
Per Pro Football Focus charting, Moore was targeted five times when matched up with Lattimore, catching three passes for 47 yards and converting two first downs. But he never scored a touchdown on Lattimore in coverage, and Lattimore did come away with an interception.
It goes back to their college careers. Moore was thrown to four times in Maryland’s 2016 game with Ohio State, twice with Lattimore in coverage; he dropped one pass and gained just 3 yards on his lone reception, well short of a first down. They’ve been battling ever since.
Of course the quarterback situation might put a dampener on things. Chicago is going to be without starting quarterback Justin Fields in this game while he manages an injured throwing hand. In his place will be backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who has had an up-and-down start to his NFL career in recent weeks. This is a great opportunity for Lattimore to bounce back after a disappointing performance last week now that he’s facing an opponent he knows well.
