Bears Insider reveals how coach Ben Johnson has firmly set expectations and standards for DJ Moore’s role on the team.

The Chicago Bears’ coaching staff has entered the 2025 NFL season with a renewed focus on accountability, player development, and precision — hallmarks of the new offensive regime led by head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. At the center of this transformation is wide receiver DJ Moore, whose role has been meticulously defined by Johnson, setting clear expectations and standards that are shaping both Moore’s performance and the Bears’ offensive identity.

The Arrival of Ben Johnson and a New Offensive Vision

When Ben Johnson was hired as offensive coordinator, Bears fans and analysts alike anticipated a shift toward a more dynamic and adaptable offense. Johnson, coming off impressive offensive work in previous roles, brings a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to maximizing players’ skill sets within a system that prioritizes timing, route precision, and situational awareness.

For DJ Moore, one of the Bears’ key offensive weapons, this meant a new chapter. Moore’s combination of speed, agility, and route-running acumen positioned him to be a focal point in Johnson’s scheme, but with clear responsibilities and heightened standards.

Establishing Role Clarity for DJ Moore

According to reports from Bears Insider, Johnson’s first move was to sit down with Moore and establish a crystal-clear understanding of what his role entails. Moore isn’t just a deep threat or a gadget player; he is expected to be the Bears’ primary outside receiver who can consistently win one-on-one matchups, create separation through crisp route-running, and contribute reliably in both the passing and blocking game.

Johnson communicated to Moore that his role involves:

• Technical Precision: Running routes with exactness in timing and depth to sync with the quarterback’s rhythm.
• Mental Toughness: Maintaining focus on every play, recognizing defensive coverages, and adjusting routes when necessary.
• Physical Commitment: Engaging fully in blocking schemes on run plays to support the offense beyond just catching passes.
• Leadership: Setting an example for younger receivers and teammates through work ethic and professionalism.

By defining these elements, Johnson ensured Moore understood that his role was multi-dimensional and critical to the offense’s success, not just based on raw talent but on disciplined execution.

Raising the Bar: Accountability and Standards

Ben Johnson’s approach is rooted in accountability. Bears Insider highlights that Johnson has implemented a system where standards are non-negotiable, and players like DJ Moore are held to them consistently in practice and games.

This involves:

• Practice Discipline: Moore is expected to deliver at a high level every day in practice, refining footwork, release techniques, and timing patterns without shortcuts.
• Film Study Rigor: Johnson mandates deep film study, emphasizing understanding opponent tendencies and how Moore’s route adjustments can exploit defensive weaknesses.
• Communication: Moore is encouraged to communicate openly with the quarterback, offensive line, and coaching staff to ensure cohesion.

Johnson’s culture ensures Moore is not just passively executing plays but actively engaging in game-planning and self-improvement. This accountability fosters growth and prepares Moore to be a reliable, consistent contributor.

Impact on DJ Moore’s Performance

Under Johnson’s guidance, Moore’s game has shown marked improvement in several key areas:

• Route Running: The precision demanded by Johnson has helped Moore tighten his cuts, maintain better timing, and improve his separation on routes.
• Yards After Catch (YAC): Moore’s focus on footwork and situational awareness has increased his effectiveness after the catch, turning short completions into significant gains.
• Blocking: Previously seen as primarily a pass-catcher, Moore’s enhanced commitment to blocking has boosted the Bears’ run game, adding a valuable dimension to his contributions.
• Consistency: Perhaps most importantly, Moore’s ability to deliver consistent performances week in and week out has become a hallmark under Johnson’s standards.

These improvements have not only elevated Moore’s individual statistics but also enhanced the overall offense’s efficiency and explosiveness.

Building a Culture of Professionalism

Ben Johnson’s influence extends beyond on-field execution. His standards for DJ Moore emphasize professionalism and leadership, setting an example for the entire team.

Bears Insider reports that Johnson expects Moore to:

• Lead by Example: Be the first in and last out at practice, maintain focus during meetings, and uphold the team’s values.
• Mentor Younger Players: Help younger receivers develop by sharing knowledge, encouraging effort, and setting high standards.
• Represent the Team Positively: In media, community engagements, and interactions with teammates, Moore’s demeanor is to reflect the professionalism Johnson instills.

This holistic approach to Moore’s role enhances team chemistry and fosters an environment where every player feels accountable and inspired.

Coach Ben Johnson’s Philosophy on Player Development

Johnson’s firm but supportive stance on Moore’s role aligns with his broader coaching philosophy: maximize players’ potential through structured expectations and continuous feedback.

Key elements of Johnson’s player development approach include:

• Clear Communication: Setting transparent goals and regularly reviewing progress.
• Tailored Coaching: Recognizing individual player strengths and weaknesses to provide personalized guidance.
• Data-Driven Adjustments: Utilizing analytics and film breakdowns to pinpoint areas for improvement.
• Mental Conditioning: Building resilience and football IQ alongside physical skills.

For DJ Moore, this meant receiving detailed feedback after every game and practice session, with Johnson and his staff breaking down film, highlighting successes, and identifying fine-tuning areas. This continuous loop ensures Moore stays on an upward trajectory.

The Bigger Picture: How DJ Moore Fits Into the Bears’ Offense

Moore’s clearly defined role is integral to the Bears’ offensive identity under Ben Johnson. The offense blends quick, precise passing with vertical threats and balanced run support, requiring receivers who are versatile, disciplined, and mentally sharp.

With Moore as the go-to outside receiver, the Bears can:

• Stretch defenses vertically, opening up underneath routes and the running game.
• Trust in a receiver who can win contested catches and convert critical third downs.
• Build a rhythm-based passing game that complements the running attack.

Johnson’s standards for Moore thus ripple through the entire offensive scheme, creating a more reliable and dynamic unit.

Challenges and Expectations Moving Forward

While Johnson’s firm expectations have helped Moore elevate his game, the challenges ahead remain significant. NFL defenses continue to evolve, and Moore must adapt to increasingly complex coverages and physical demands.

Bears Insider notes that Johnson is already preparing Moore for these challenges by:

• Increasing the complexity of route trees and reads.
• Encouraging leadership growth to help Moore command the offense.
• Fostering resilience to bounce back quickly from setbacks.

The message is clear: Moore’s role is not static but will evolve with his development and the team’s needs.

The relationship between coach Ben Johnson and DJ Moore embodies a modern NFL success story — one where clear expectations, accountability, and tailored development combine to unlock player potential and drive team performance.

Johnson’s firm standards for Moore’s role have resulted in a more polished, reliable, and impactful receiver who embodies professionalism and leadership. This synergy sets a strong foundation for the Bears’ offense to thrive and positions DJ Moore as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how this dynamic unfolds, but early signs suggest that Johnson’s vision and Moore’s execution are creating a blueprint for sustained success.